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A review by jja_b
Normal People by Sally Rooney
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Ok, while I don’t deny that Rooney is a very talented writer, I think this might have been a mismatch between me and her. I didn’t really know what to expect when going into it, but I probably should have guessed by the title that this would be a “normal” story. I don’t mean that in a critical way, and I’m not implying that it’s uninspired. “Normal” was obviously what Rooney was going for. I could look at a group of people I know and find a similar tale, This just wasn’t for me.
Don’t get me wrong. I did enjoy the book at times. I found Connell quite a compelling character and I think the book can be described as a page-turner, but most of the characters were unlikeable and the miscommunication between Connell and Marianne just became too frustrating.
The ending infuriated me. I get the point, but it was still infuriating.
Don’t get me wrong. I did enjoy the book at times. I found Connell quite a compelling character and I think the book can be described as a page-turner, but most of the characters were unlikeable and the miscommunication between Connell and Marianne just became too frustrating.
The ending infuriated me. I get the point, but it was still infuriating.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Sexual assault, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Misogyny, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Eating disorder, Child abuse, Classism, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Racism, Blood, and Bullying