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A review by samandtheirbooks
Normal People by Sally Rooney
medium-paced
4.5
First reading: I really dislike the ending. Sometimes it feels like Rooney talks out of her ass. Sometimes it feels really preachy instead of profound and sincere. That's how I found the ending to be.
Second reading: I connected with the material a lot more this time around. I'm not sure if it's what I experienced in the two years since I last read this book or my ability to read getting better. There were many good quotes. I connected with Marianne a lot. I also feel like I've been used and a toy and have engaged with sexual activity as self harm. I'm pretty but I'm ugly at the same time... like her. Obviously she's attractive but at the same time... her appearance was criticized a lot, even by Connell.
I think this book marks a toxic relationship. Because toxic relationships can fill you with love for another person but you're kinda bonded by how shitty is was to be together. You can help each other get to a better place in life while feeling miserable about the other person. Human relationships are complicated.
I finished this book by thinking "you can tell this is good literature because I feel I learned something about the human condition." What I learned is that... even if it's the right person, wrong time, if you keep at it long enough, it'll eventually be the right time.
And that makes me think. About past relationships and my current one.
Second reading: I connected with the material a lot more this time around. I'm not sure if it's what I experienced in the two years since I last read this book or my ability to read getting better. There were many good quotes. I connected with Marianne a lot. I also feel like I've been used and a toy and have engaged with sexual activity as self harm. I'm pretty but I'm ugly at the same time... like her. Obviously she's attractive but at the same time... her appearance was criticized a lot, even by Connell.
I think this book marks a toxic relationship. Because toxic relationships can fill you with love for another person but you're kinda bonded by how shitty is was to be together. You can help each other get to a better place in life while feeling miserable about the other person. Human relationships are complicated.
I finished this book by thinking "you can tell this is good literature because I feel I learned something about the human condition." What I learned is that... even if it's the right person, wrong time, if you keep at it long enough, it'll eventually be the right time.
And that makes me think. About past relationships and my current one.