Normal People

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of mental illness and sexual content.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How does the novel's title "Normal People" relate to both Connell's and Marianne's struggles with identity and belonging? What does the author suggest about the concept of normalcy?

2. The novel shifts between Connell's and Marianne's perspectives throughout. How did this narrative choice affect your understanding of their relationship? For readers familiar with Rooney's Conversations with Friends, how does this dual perspective compare to that novel's narrative approach?

3. What was your reaction to the novel's ending? Does Marianne's encouragement of Connell's move to New York feel like growth or resignation?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Throughout the novel, both Connell and Marianne struggle with fitting into different social environments and frequently hide aspects of themselves from others. Have you ever experienced similar feelings of being an outsider or felt pressure to present a different version of yourself? How did you navigate those situations?

2. The novel explores how family dynamics shape our relationships.