54 pages • 1 hour read
Beautiful World, Where Are You
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Beautiful World, Where Are You follows best friends Alice and Eileen as they navigate their complex relationships and personal struggles. Alice, a successful novelist, grapples with her mental health and burgeoning relationship with Felix, while Eileen, an editorial assistant, rekindles a complicated romance with Simon. Through philosophical correspondence and daily life challenges, the friends explore meaning, love, and the beauty within a collapsing world. The book addresses mental health and sexual content.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
444,554 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney captivates with its richly developed characters and incisive exploration of relationships and existential angst. However, some reviewers find its introspective narrative slow-paced and less engaging compared to Rooney's previous works. Overall, it remains a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Beautiful World, Where Are You?
A reader who would enjoy Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney is likely interested in contemporary literary fiction that explores complex relationships and societal issues. If you appreciate introspective narratives and nuanced character development similar to those in Normal People by Rooney herself or Conversations with Friends, this book will be compelling.
444,554 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eileen Lydon
Eileen Lydon
A 29-year-old editorial assistant based in Dublin with a working-class background, previously known for her popularity in university. She shares a close friendship with Alice and navigates her personal relationships while contemplating life ambitions.
Felix Brady
Felix Brady
A 29-year-old warehouse worker from Dublin with a charismatic yet quick-tempered demeanor. He meets Alice through a dating app and offers a contrasting perspective with his working-class background.
Simon Costigan
Simon Costigan
A 34-year-old legal consultant involved in international human rights, noted for his handsome appearance and formal text message style. He shares a historical bond with Eileen from their childhood and has a profound sense of moral duty.
368
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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