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BOOK REVIEW: Normal People

Normal People

By: Sally Rooney

Rating 3*

Connell and Marianne grew up in rural Caricklea in Ireland.  They come from different worlds when they meet in school and their lives collide.  Despite the social barriers of school a connection develops between them that follows them to their University years in Dublin and well into their futures.

 This book is my first from author Sally Rooney and I was uncertain if this would appeal to me as her writing has been deemed the "Millenial Voice".  I can honestly say that the writing style was light and easy to read however, felt that the political inferences only seemed to be for effect and didn't really have any relevance to the context of the plot or the characters personalities.
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The story I believe was intended as a modern love story but sadly, I believe that is a matter of view point as I feel the characters from very early on had an unhealthy relationship which infact developed into a more toxic dependancy based around their sexual attraction than the emotional friendship they shared in the beginning.  It is true that Connell and Marianne have a form of emotional friendship but this systematically seemed to stem from their own feelings of isolation and lonliness than a true connection.

It is clear both characters struggle to discuss or share their feelings with anyone, including each other.  Connell at one stage of the plot experiences depression, as somebody strongly affected by this issue.  I felt both aggreved and disappointed that this was handled in such a cold and clinical fashion by the author, it was fleetingly touched upon and written in a way that made the true impact of this illness feel hollow and lacking in any emotive strength or impact.

Marianne has her own emotional issues which are apparent from the start, it is clear that she comes from a disfunctional and abusive background.  Her portrayal and behaviour throughout the book often brought me to peaks of rage.  I was hoping for a modern "millenial" feminist and was given a frustrating character in Marianne with a strong inability to identify with her feelings and her lack of understanding that she could take back ownership and power of her life from the toxic relationships she allows herself to be a part of, this character alone almost was the cause for not reading the remainder of its story.

Sadly, at no time did I feel this book tantalized me, the perception of the characters was one lacking in dimension and although I think the goal was to create a bold and memorable story, for me I am afraid this will be one I easily forget.











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Location: Church St, Buntingford SG9 9AS, UK

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