Normal People – Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney's debut novel, Normal People, is an emotionally rich exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of navigating identity in a society that prioritises and awards conformity. The novel follows the story of Connell and Marianne, two young adults from Sligo in Ireland, as they navigate their way through adolescence and adulthood, examining themes of class, power, love, and self-discovery.

Rooney's writing is both evocative and insightful, conveying the nuanced and multifaceted nature of human emotion and social dynamics. The novel skillfully weaves together a complex narrative that spans several years, tracing the peaks and valleys of Connell and Marianne's relationship as they navigate school, university, and beyond. One of the book's most impressive aspects is its astute portrayal of class dynamics and the impact of socioeconomic status on personal relationships, a theme that is particularly relevant in modern times.

Rooney's characters are complex and multidimensional, revealing the insecurities and vulnerabilities that often underlie seemingly confident individuals. Her dialogue is authentic and believable, and she has a deft touch for capturing the rhythms and nuances of everyday speech, rendering her characters' conversations natural and believable.

Normal People is particularly noteworthy for its exploration of power dynamics within relationships, particularly those influenced by social hierarchies. Connell and Marianne's relationship is shaped by power imbalances, with Connell's social status granting him advantages that he is often unaware of. This dynamic is explored in great detail throughout the novel, with Rooney skillfully navigating the complexities of power, control, and manipulation that can manifest in personal relationships.

Rooney’s depiction of love is simply beautiful, the nature of the relationship between the two is this ineffable connection that consistently draws them back together. She evokes an understanding of what it feels like to be loved and the pain that is felt when the love is lost albeit for only a moment. She articulates the different ways in which love can manifest in a positive light whilst also depicting the darker aspects like jealousy, possessiveness and insecurity. Her realistic writing avoids idealising romantic relationships or portraying them as one-dimensional, rather, she captures the complexities and contradictions of human emotion.

Overall, Normal People is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel that delves deeply into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating identity in a conformist society. Rooney's writing is insightful and evocative, and her characters are richly drawn and multifaceted, making the novel an immersive and captivating read. It is a novel that will challenge your preconceptions and inspire introspection about the nature of human interaction.

Feeling a very sad but loving 9.1/10