logo

36 pages 1 hour read

Sally Rooney

Normal People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Normal People by Sally Rooney follows Connell, a boy from a lower-middle-class background, and Marianne, a girl from a wealthy family, as they navigate the complexities of their intimate yet secretive relationship throughout their school years and into university in Dublin. They experience fluctuating social dynamics, emotional challenges, and personal growth while maintaining an impactful, if sometimes tumultuous, connection. The book includes instances of domestic abuse, psychological distress, and sexual violence.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sally Rooney's Normal People receives widespread acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of young love and complex emotional dynamics. Rooney's prose is celebrated for its clarity and emotional depth. However, some critics find the characters' indecisiveness frustrating. Despite this, the novel's exploration of intimacy and social class resonates strongly with many readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Normal People?

Fans of introspective, character-driven stories will enjoy Sally Rooney's Normal People. Similar to works like One Day by David Nicholls and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, it appeals to readers who appreciate nuanced relationships, coming-of-age themes, and the exploration of social and class dynamics.

Book Details
Pages

273

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ireland • 2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.