#BookReview: Normal People by Sally Rooney @sallyrooney @FaberBooks #NormalPeople #CostaBookAwards

Book Synopsis:

A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2018

‘The best novel published this year.’ Times

Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in rural Ireland. The similarities end there; they are from very different worlds. When they both earn places at Trinity College in Dublin, a connection that has grown between them lasts long into the following years.

This is an exquisite love story about how a person can change another person’s life – a simple yet profound realisation that unfolds beautifully over the course of the novel. It tells us how difficult it is to talk about how we feel and it tells us – blazingly – about cycles of domination, legitimacy and privilege. Alternating menace with overwhelming tenderness, Sally Rooney’s second novel breathes fiction with new life.

Normal People is available in ebook and hardback now.  You can purchase your copy here.

My Review:

Normal People is a fascinating book that manages to discuss a variety of intriguing themes whilst being hugely  readable!

At the centre of the book is this wonderful, intense relationship shared by the two main characters that starts in school and continues throughout their lives.  It was very interesting to read about how this relationship changed depending on where they were and who they were with.  They both share a unique connection and understanding with each other that never changes throughout the book.  It is this that helps them in the most difficult times of their lives.

There are quite a few interesting themes mentioned in the book including peer pressure, class and dominance in relationships which definetly gives the reader food for thought.  These are included in the story subtly and helps the reader gain more understanding of the characters.  It would also make this book a great book club read as I feel there would be lots to discuss.

This book has been shortlisted for many prestigious awards and it’s easy to see why as the book is very unique.  The author’s style of writing helps draw the reader in.  The book is told alternatively from Marianne and Connell’s point of view which enables the reader to be privy to the characters innermost thoughts so that we get to know them personally.  I soon fell in love with them both and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens to them.

I have to admit to being a little frustrated at the ending as it didn’t end as I hoped.  However I do feel the ending was appropriate for the story and if it had ended in a different way I think it would have taken something away from the book.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading her first book, Conversations With Friends, in the future as I’ve heard lots of good things about it.

I was lucky enough to borrow a copy of this from my local library and I will definitely be recommending this book to others! If you like unique love stories involving complex characters that makes you think, then you’ll love this book!

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