36 pages • 1 hour read
Normal People
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Book Brief
273
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Romantic
Emotional
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
1,640,870 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
1,640,870 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marianne Sheridan
Marianne Sheridan
A self-possessed and worldly young woman from a wealthy family who forms a close bond with Connell Waldron, each influencing the other's perspective.
Lorraine Waldron
Lorraine Waldron
Connell's young and single mother, who had him as a teenager and plays a stabilizing role in his life with her unconventional yet loving nature.
Denise Sheridan
Denise Sheridan
Marianne's mother, a single parent who maintains an icy distance and adheres to conventional values, impacting Marianne's life negatively.
Alan Sheridan
Alan Sheridan
Marianne's bullying brother, who plays a dominant role in the family and struggles with weakness and uncertainty outside the home.
273
Novel • Fiction
Ireland • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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