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itsocchiolism's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
least favorite book I’ve ever read. the writing is so pretentious, and not it a fun way!! every single character is boring and unlikeable. I wanted to put it down and stop reading it about sixty pages in, but i figured since this is the first Sally Rooney book I’d picked up, that i should give her a fair shot and finish it, but wow the entire time i just wanted it to be over. There’s no real plot or character development, so what was the point? one and a half star bc there were like three quotes i didn’t hate
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
nicolet's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’ve officially read all the novels Sally Rooney has published to this date, and I can officially say she has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors. I love her writing because it makes me feel like even if I haven’t gone through the exact situations of her characters, the emotions and thoughts are ones I think most have thought and felt.
This book surprised me with how much older the tone is compared to Conversations With Friends and Normal People. The characters are older and their issues reflect that. I really thought the commentary on life and what it means to be young in the world we live in today was interesting and genuine. I loved the conversations about God and what it means to be religious. I related a lot to the character of Simon and how I see my faith, so reading that it was nice to see how someone else inadvertently helps others come to terms with their beliefs. He also isn’t the type to condemn others or push his beliefs which I appreciate.
Something I really liked about this book (and I’m not sure if it was intentional) but one of my favorite monologues is the opening one from Love, Actually. I have always thought it captured how even in the bad moments of life, you can find love and good things. This book felt like that monologue. The characters are searching for what the purpose of life is in such horrible times, and they are able to find that even if things get darker and the world gets bleaker, there will always be beautiful things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Gaslighting
lucykateburns's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This novel follows the friendship between Alice and Eileen and their relationships with, respectively, Felix and Simon. The writing style is very accessible, although I have seen many critique it for the lack of formatted dialogue. I actually did not find this a problem, and found it very easy to follow who was speaking and found the dialogue itself very believable. I also commend the author's ability to create images, especially when describing her characters gestures and the sounds they hear.
The novel is very character focused and that is another reason I found it enjoyable. Rooney's characters are flawed and realistic, although at times they were quite pretentious. I did not really mind reading, and related to the contents of, the girls email exchanges regarding more philosophical questions (that said, some of them really did not hit for me), but the many interactions between Felix and Alice were difficult to read. I found myself rooting a lot more for Eileen and Simon.
I believe 20-somethings would enjoy this book, as it addresses a lot of the existential questions that are associated with truly coming into adulthood. It made me feel a bit better to hear some of the impotence the characters felt when considering global capitalism and when recognising their privilege. For that, and some other comments made on other topics, I did feel like I could be friends with them. I liked the overall sentiment that what matters most is human connection, and being concerned with those around us, and I am glad that this encompassed what I understand to be the three main types of relationships; family, friends and lovers.
There were some really funny and some really insightful moments, so I would recommend this as a fairly light read and it really is a nice delve into someone else's understanding of the modern world! I do not think this is the greatest literary production of our time, but I don't think it is aiming to be. It does not require much thought or analysis to appreciate in its entirety. Everything is laid out for the reader to easily consume, which is a merit to Rooney's writing and its clarity!
Trigger Warning
The novel contains a lot of sexual content, which borders on being pornographic. Although this is not in itself negative, some chapters could cause discomfort to readers trigger by sexual descriptions - especially when dealing with the problematic daddy/princess kink.
The novel is very character focused and that is another reason I found it enjoyable. Rooney's characters are flawed and realistic, although at times they were quite pretentious. I did not really mind reading, and related to the contents of, the girls email exchanges regarding more philosophical questions (that said, some of them really did not hit for me), but the many interactions between Felix and Alice were difficult to read. I found myself rooting a lot more for Eileen and Simon.
I believe 20-somethings would enjoy this book, as it addresses a lot of the existential questions that are associated with truly coming into adulthood. It made me feel a bit better to hear some of the impotence the characters felt when considering global capitalism and when recognising their privilege. For that, and some other comments made on other topics, I did feel like I could be friends with them. I liked the overall sentiment that what matters most is human connection, and being concerned with those around us, and I am glad that this encompassed what I understand to be the three main types of relationships; family, friends and lovers.
There were some really funny and some really insightful moments, so I would recommend this as a fairly light read and it really is a nice delve into someone else's understanding of the modern world! I do not think this is the greatest literary production of our time, but I don't think it is aiming to be. It does not require much thought or analysis to appreciate in its entirety. Everything is laid out for the reader to easily consume, which is a merit to Rooney's writing and its clarity!
Trigger Warning
The novel contains a lot of sexual content, which borders on being pornographic. Although this is not in itself negative, some chapters could cause discomfort to readers trigger by sexual descriptions - especially when dealing with the problematic daddy/princess kink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Infidelity, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Abortion, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
ogingero's review against another edition
She's a nazi supporting anti-Semite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Genocide, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
alexan007's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
leighannezinsmeister's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship