The Stats

Title: Normal People

Author: Sally Rooney

Narrated By: Aoife Mcmahon

Publisher: Hogarth (16 April 2019)

Time: 7 Hours 35 Minutes

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Contemporary, Romance

Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Rape/Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Depictions of Violence, Child Neglect, Slut Shaming People, Revenge Porn

Read if you like: We are the Brennans, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Cassandra in Reverse, Green Dot

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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April 2019 pick for Book of the Month
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Fiction 2019

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The Review

I have finally gotten around to reading a Sally Rooney novel. I’ve been tempted to dive into her works for a while, primarily because I wanted to watch Paul Mescal in the Hulu adaptation of “Normal People.” Later, when Joe Alwyn was cast in “Conversations with Friends,” also on Hulu, I figured it was high time to explore Rooney’s books. However, what ultimately convinced me to give Rooney a shot was, after finishing Green Dot and browsing through other reviewers’ comments, I noticed many bloggers were drawing comparisons between Madeleine Gray and Sally Rooney. Thus, when I saw that the “Normal People” audiobook was available on Libby, I decided to dive right in. Now, I can honestly say I understand why Rooney has been recommended to me for years.

“Normal People” is a novel about just that—two normal people. Told from alternating points of view, the narrative follows the evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne, two individuals whose lives are intertwined from high school in a small Irish town to their college years in Dublin. We witness as they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Connell and Marianne are deeply flawed, yet time and time again, they find beauty in each other and their relationship.

The audiobook features Aoife Mcmahon who effectively reads for both Connell and Marianne. While her talent is evident in portraying distinct differences between characters, a larger voice cast could have enhanced the experience. Overall, whether reading or listening, the experience is similar. I would recommend whatever option is better suited to your availability.

Rooney employs an intriguing stylistic approach to weave together the pivotal moments in Connell and Marianne’s journey. Presenting the narrative in a series of episodic clips, the audience is granted a front-row seat to the most significant and defining moments of their relationship. The brief vignettes ensure that each moment is given the spotlight it deserves, allowing for a deep exploration of the characters’ emotions, conflicts, and growth. What particularly intrigues me about this approach is how it mimics an actual memory, as if Connell and Marianne are decades past this point in their lives, recalling the story of their time together. The sometimes substantial gaps in time do not matter to the reader because they did not matter enough to be remembered and recounted by our characters.

What directly sets “Normal People”, and Rooney’s writing itself, apart is Rooney’s ability to fully capture the nuances of human interaction and the fluidity of emotions. The characters are not mere caricatures but instead, real people with genuine struggles and vulnerabilities. The dialogue is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the evolving dynamics between the characters over the years and makes the interactions between Connell and Marianne feel genuine and compelling. For example, Connell and Marianne are horrible communicators at times, and often misinterpret what the other is trying to imply. Multiple times in the novel, I found myself yelling at the audiobook, for them to “JUST SAY WHAT YOU REALLY MEAN!” Upon reflection, I realize I felt this emotional response as Rooney’s shaped a narrative that made me remanence on my past relationships and truly articulate the mindset of someone in their early 20s.

In conclusion, “Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating and insightful exploration of the complexities of human relationships, love, and self-discovery. Rooney’s unique stylistic approach and her ability to realistically portray the nuances of human interactions make this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. Through the evolving dynamics between the characters, Rooney masterfully captures the emotions and struggles of young adults, evoking a sense of familiarity and introspection in the reader. This book is a remarkable testament to Rooney’s talent as a writer and her ability to resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” is a compelling novel that delves into the evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne, two flawed individuals navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery from high school to college. The narrative’s episodic structure allows for a deep exploration of pivotal moments, reflecting the genuine struggles and vulnerabilities of the characters. Rooney’s writing captures the nuances of human interaction, realistically portraying the dynamics between the characters and evoking a strong sense of familiarity and introspection in the reader, making it a captivating and thought-provoking read. With its ability to resonate on a deeply personal level, “Normal People” stands as a testament to Rooney’s talent as a writer.