46 pages • 1 hour read
Conversations with Friends
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Book Brief
323
Novel • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • 2010s
2017
Hogarth
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney follows college students and best friends Frances and Bobbi, who befriend married couple Melissa and Nick. Frances and Nick begin a secret affair, causing all four to re-examine their relationships and desires. Sensitive topics, including chronic pain, alcohol abuse, and emotional complexities, are explored throughout the novel.
Contemplative
Romantic
Emotional
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
553,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney is lauded for its sharp, introspective prose and complex character dynamics. Critics praise the authentic dialogue and nuanced exploration of contemporary relationships. However, some find the plot meandering and characters unlikable. Overall, it's a thought-provoking debut that captures modern emotional landscapes vividly.
Who Should Read Conversations with Friends?
A reader who enjoys rich character development, nuanced interpersonal dynamics, and contemporary settings will appreciate Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. Fans of Normal People and Big Little Lies will find its exploration of complex relationships and emotional honesty engaging.
553,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bobbi
Bobbi
A brash and outspoken character who is Frances's ex-girlfriend and best friend, known for her strong principles and high standards.
Nick
Nick
An actor who has an affair with Frances; he is known for his passive demeanor and struggles with his own past, including a history of depression.
Melissa
Melissa
A successful freelance writer and photographer, married to Nick, who embodies a mix of bohemian and conventional traits and has a complex relationship with Frances and Bobbi.
323
Novel • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • 2010s
2017
Hogarth
Adult
18+ years
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