Normal People by Sally Rooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The writing style of this novel really drew me in, I was unable to put it down and read it in two sittings.
I loved Marianne and Connell, and I loved their journey up to a point.
This felt really reminiscent of One Day by David Nicholls, a book that I really enjoyed (movie not as much). At least the ending of that was somewhat satisfying in its way, unlike the ending of this which was just frustrating instead.
There is a point at which it becomes boring to rehash the same conversations over and over again in a different scenario , even it if is supposed to have a point behind it. There was just one or two conversations too many for me to like the ending or think it was a clever way to leave things.
The writing was so wonderful that I stayed with it, and I’m still so happy to have found the author. It was almost a sensual read, and a romance at its heart, yet it explored so many topics throughout including modern masculinity, femininity, social ideals, relationships in every sphere, and trauma.
I would recommend to anyone, it was a lovely read that leaves you with a lot to think about – because even though I’m dissatisfied with the ending, it means I was invested enough in the characters to feel they were let down.
Ally Jane 