Are you curious about the hype surrounding Normal People by Sally Rooney but hesitant to dive in? In this article, we’ll explore this highly-discussed novel together, with an honest look at what it offers and where it might fall short. While some readers have been captivated by Rooney’s storytelling, others have found themselves less enamored.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the world of Normal People and uncover what makes it a book of mixed opinions. Enjoy our comprehensive review and summary of Normal People by Sally Rooney.
Sally Rooney’s Normal People Summary
Normal People by Irish author Sally Rooney is a coming-of-age novel where the author explores the twists and turns of young love. The story follows two teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate the complexities of social status, mental health, and self-discovery in contemporary Ireland.
Their on-again, off-again relationship unfolds against a backdrop of societal change, highlighting the challenges of communication and the enduring power of connection.
In the story, Connell and Marianne deeply struggle to reconcile their feelings for each other with societal expectations and their own insecurities, making this novel a prime example of a book that captures the essence of modern-day romance and the struggles of young adults exploring their feelings and shaping their personalities.
Normal People Title Meaning
But what exactly does the author Sally Rooney mean by “Normal People“? In the context of the novel, the title serves as a powerful reflection on societal norms and expectations. When readers first encounter the title “Normal People”, they might expect a story about two individuals who fit seamlessly into the molds of societal expectations.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that “normalcy” is far more complex than meets the eye. Marianne and Connell who are normal people like me and you, and despite their differences, grapple with their own insecurities and vulnerabilities, challenging the notion that anyone truly fits into the category of “normal” in the eyes of society.
The Effect of Social Norms
The characters face numerous challenges as they strive to conform to these standards. In high school, for instance, Connell faced a dilemma; he hesitated to reveal his association with Marianne because he was a popular athlete and academically gifted student, while Marianne was perceived as a loner, somewhat awkward, and outside his typical social circles.
Therefore, society’s norms dictated that associating with Marianne was unacceptable, leading Connell to keep their relationship hidden. However, in college, the dynamics shifted; Marianne found herself among peers who shared her intellectual class, while Connell struggled with his feelings of awkwardness and uncertainty. Therefore, Marianne effortlessly integrated into this new social circle, and it became evident in the novel that Connell grappled with fitting in and often felt disconnected from those around him.
Sally Rooney Normal People Book Review
For the longest time, Normal People sat at the top of my TBR list ever since it was published. Despite numerous temptations, I avoided all spoilers and reviews on this book and its series adaptation.
However, during the current circumstances happening in the world, Sally Rooney’s name has emerged prominently among authors who have voiced their solidarity with the Palestinian people and Gazans amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Here is the book review of Normal People by Sally Rooney from various aspects:
Authenticity
Normal People has ignited passionate debate among readers. Some praise its raw authenticity and exploration of human connections calling it a modern-day classic while others find its narrative bleak and its characters’ indecisiveness frustrating, and that’s completely okay! We all have different preferences when it comes to books, and it’s important to find what resonates with us.
I relate to the latter group of readers who find some aspects of ‘Normal People’ less appealing. While I can appreciate its exploration of human relationships and the complexities of connections, I found the characters’ indecisiveness and the somewhat bleak narrative tone challenging to fully embrace.
Language
Furthermore, while I can praise Rooney’s writing and ability to richly draw characters and express their thoughts, I couldn’t get around the fact that Rooney did not use quotations to mark conversations. This made it confusing for me to sometimes differentiate between dialogue and narrated descriptions especially since English is not my first language and I am accustomed to the traditional dialogue format.
Funny enough, I first thought that I had picked a defective copy of the book, only to find out that it was intended to not use quotations to denote conversations
Plot
Moreover, at its core, the novel is a character-driven exploration of love, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships, and is characterized by its sparse prose and intimate focus on the characters’ inner lives. So, if you are a person who prefers a more dynamic plot-driven or a faster-paced narrative, like myself, Normal People may feel a bit slow or boring and it may not be your cup of tea.
Depiction of Love
Despite these criticisms, what I truly loved about Normal People, is the book’s true depiction of love. Instead of portraying it as the perfect fairytale where the two protagonists ultimately fall in love and find their happily ever after, Rooney stripped away the romanticized notions of love, and revealed the messy, sometimes painful reality of human connection.
In the book we see Connell and Marianne’s on-again, off-again relationship portray the true story of two complex characters grappling with their inner demons trying to navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence and adulthood while also wrestling with issues of self-confidence, social status, miscommunication, personal identity, and love, making us empathize with their struggles and frustrations, while also adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Epilogue
Lastly, not to spoil the ending of the book, but the book leaves us at a cliff-hanger. While some people find this open-ended nature of Normal People appealing, I longed for closure. I do get that life rarely offers tidy resolutions, and perhaps the novel’s refusal to neatly tie up the loose ends reflects this reality, but I really hoped for an end where Connell and Marianne mature enough to face their feelings and communicate effectively with one another, it could’ve provided me with a satisfying resolution to the journey I had embarked upon with them.
Is the series better than the book or vice versa?
From someone who has both read the book and watched the series, I’m firmly in the camp of the series being the superior option. Even though it’s rare when a screen adaptation outshines the original text, in this case, the series truly nailed it.
From the captivating actors’ performances to the visual storytelling, the series took the essence of the novel and elevated it to a whole new level. The characters felt more alive, the emotions more palpable, and the story was more immersive. Maybe it’s the faster pace or it’s the unique Irish accent, but nonetheless, it’s like the book had laid down the foundation, and the series built a whole world on top of it.
A little disclaimer here, the series just like the book doesn’t hold back when it comes to adult content. There are scenes with mature themes and nudity that might not be suitable for younger audiences. However, these scenes can be skipped without missing out on the plot, so you can still enjoy the series without any discomfort.
Final Note
In conclusion, “Normal People” is a divisive tale of love and despair that has sparked debate among readers. While some have been moved by its raw authenticity and emotional depth, others have found its narrative frustrating and its ending unsatisfying.
Whether you find yourself captivated by Connell and Marianne’s journey or left wanting more, one thing is certain: “Normal People” is a novel that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading it. Continue checking Read & Blog for more articles, book reviews, book recommendations, quotes, and much more.
