Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Normal People

I honestly don't know how to think about this book. It's certainly good, but I can't conceptualise my thoughts into words - I guess that's its biggest strength

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jmdressel's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this book is very different from what i would normally gravitate toward, but i enjoyed it. it felt like i was getting a look at the inner workings of both main characters, while still having questions about their complexities as individuals.

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sofagris's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

3.5

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emilygough's review against another edition

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reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I accidentally returned the book thinking the ending was a printing mistake which I can laugh at now but my god that confused me! But artistically? A slay I think. I did cry near the end relating to Marianne throughout, I’m not sure if its canon that she’s autistic but I am in process of a diagnosis and related to her throughout. The litte nuances of how they misunderstand each other and its all just more difficult than love stories usually make things, even the ending was realistic.

I loved the fact that you can see them having small issues near the end, like we’re not even sure, after all that, if they’ll stay together especially with him going to New York (or does he even go? He definitely should but he changed colleges for her so who knows)

I loved it, the only reason its not higher rated was the fact that it doesn’t have anything that like shook me I guess? Plus I just started reading again for the first time in yeeears so I’m not sure on if theres better if that makes sense. I’ll stop yapping now.

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summerlyn's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This books is a roller coaster of emotions. I loved the main characters and hated them at the same time. Their actions and lack of communication drove me crazy but it was so painfully realistic. There is a larger look into Connell’s life than Marianne’s until later in the novel when it somewhat switches but I think that is based on when each character is more comfortable in their settings. Connell and Marianne are the poster for complex characters. I see why everyone talks about this book.

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