Review by benchurchus - Intermezzo

benchurchus 's review for:

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

5.0

reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo takes a big risk in tackling the mental processes of suicide and trauma, but she does so with tact, never veering into the grotesque. As an older brother, I found the dynamic between Ivan and Peter particularly relatable. Rooney captures the emotional complexity of such moments in a way I’ve never been able to articulate myself, and she absolutely nailed it.

The middle section does lag, but the overall character development pays off. Peter’s relationships with Naomi and Sylvia stand out, particularly how they subtly navigate his depression together while asserting their own autonomy. Peter’s assumption that they wouldn’t understand or get along is entirely in line with his character—condescending yet deeply troubled and desperate to maintain appearances—but it’s clear they had their own dynamic all along.

The pacing towards the end, particularly the shift between Peter’s internal conflict and his eventual decision-making, is less dramatic but fitting. The climax is sharp and thought-provoking, but it’s handled with a quiet restraint that matches the book’s tone.

Rooney’s ability to weave weighty themes into a relatable and understated narrative is what makes this book linger—especially for someone like me, an older sibling. It’s a sensitive, layered exploration of responsibility, connection, and the quiet battles we face in repairing fractured relationships.

Content Warnings