merry_bryson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
vickiealexander's review
3.0
I had really high expectations for this book and it didn't quite live up to them tbh. I totally understand how people would love this book but it just didn't work for me
steviebells's review
4.0
okay… this book was beautiful; however, i’m taking a star away for the lack of quotation marks or italics
apiep97's review
challenging
emotional
medium-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
4.0
A tender look into a real relationship. Read this book in one sitting. I liked watching how the connection between Connell and Marianne changed over time. I felt the ending was a little rushed but also realistic. I’m interested in watching the show now.
thelovemissives's review
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Bullying, Alcohol, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Sexual violence
leosmile's review
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed the act of reading the book, very easy read in one sitting, but I really didn't like the ending felt like there wasn't much character development throughout the story so that affects rating greatly
kweekwegg's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. I did not believe reviews that this novel would be so entrancing, simply because I have little hope any more for trance-like reading experiences, but I have come to agree that Rooney's pacing and focus lulls you into a tender state of caring for the two main characters. It is a level of sympathy that I do not normally find in contemporary fiction, and it gives me great hope. Particularly interesting in this novel is how similar in age and experience I am with both the writer and the characters -- I found myself tempted to compare my own life to theirs, as they seem to resonate so strongly at certain dates. I'll certainly read try to find her other novel, and will keep track of her writing in the future.
cameroniandcheeze's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
What makes Normal People such a standout book is how real it is. It feels more like hearing a friend tell a story than reading. Everything from the descriptions of mental health, heartbreak, love, and everything in between just feels so realistic. There comes a point in reading where readers can almost forget this is fiction.