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A review by mazkar
Normal People by Sally Rooney
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I wish I had read Normal People when it first came out. I really, really hope more people read this book and appreciate the fantastic writing of Sally Rooney, as the books bring you close to the everyday existence of our complex and abnormal world. In order to understand why things are the way they are. In this story, we follow Connell and Marianne, who are in high school together, and their relationship. Their relationship is very complex, and I appreciate the way they maintain friendship while living different lives.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/hoftyQfCNHWeqhsZQb/giphy.gif">
Throughout her book, Sally Rooney shows how our world has changed over the years. History repeats itself in a variety of things we do, our political beliefs, and our thoughts on how capitalism and communism can make a larger impact. Taking such a bold stand in a young adult book is a remarkable achievement, and she does it in a very polite and simple manner. It was extremely touching for me to read about Conell's depression and therapy session, as it is hard for many men to admit they suffer from depression and seek out treatment. Marriane also faces mental and physical abuse from her brother and other relationships outside Conell, which I also found to be a very moving story. The author is really good at demonstrating the gray side of what her characters are going through and how they are reliant upon each other in both the good and bad times.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OtNdXFIHx759p4enBX/giphy-downsized-large.gif">
Some quotes from this book really stood out to me, and I have no intention of getting rid of them.
“I'm not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me.”
“Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything,”
“Most people go through their whole lives, without ever really feeling that close with anyone.”
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/fqJUvyTXcEf41LTt0d/giphy-downsized-large.gif">
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this novel. It encompasses all the things that make YA so successful. I also watched Sally Rooney's interviews on writing and communism, and I liked how open she is about her thought process. I'm excited to read more of her books.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/hoftyQfCNHWeqhsZQb/giphy.gif">
Throughout her book, Sally Rooney shows how our world has changed over the years. History repeats itself in a variety of things we do, our political beliefs, and our thoughts on how capitalism and communism can make a larger impact. Taking such a bold stand in a young adult book is a remarkable achievement, and she does it in a very polite and simple manner. It was extremely touching for me to read about Conell's depression and therapy session, as it is hard for many men to admit they suffer from depression and seek out treatment. Marriane also faces mental and physical abuse from her brother and other relationships outside Conell, which I also found to be a very moving story. The author is really good at demonstrating the gray side of what her characters are going through and how they are reliant upon each other in both the good and bad times.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OtNdXFIHx759p4enBX/giphy-downsized-large.gif">
Some quotes from this book really stood out to me, and I have no intention of getting rid of them.
“I'm not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me.”
“Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything,”
“Most people go through their whole lives, without ever really feeling that close with anyone.”
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/fqJUvyTXcEf41LTt0d/giphy-downsized-large.gif">
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this novel. It encompasses all the things that make YA so successful. I also watched Sally Rooney's interviews on writing and communism, and I liked how open she is about her thought process. I'm excited to read more of her books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm