A review by alyssastag
Normal People by Sally Rooney

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It took me forever to pick this book up because I thought it was going to be basic, but I absolutely loved it. Highlights for me: both main characters have some villain qualities so it’s easy to love and hate them both; I felt physically sick/uncomfortable when Marianne and Connell were together because I know how much it hurts to be that devoted/dependent, but I also couldn’t help but to root for them; I appreciate coming-of-age stories that focus on characters in their early twenties— this book in particular really showcases how formative those years are and how small decisions can change your whole life. All in all, this hit so close to home on so many fronts and I couldn’t put it down.