Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - Normal People

Normal People by Sally Rooney is as close to depicting a relationship that feels humane and realistic. While the prose describes what characters do and say without quotations, it's a style that can take some time to adjust. Nonetheless, the writing doesn't degenerate how these characters are authored as being breathable people within Rooney's novel. Conell and Marianne have moments where you hate them due to their class-related prejudice, selfishness, or pettiness. However, it can make you consider how young they are while making mistakes. Their mistakes can make it seem like their relationship is believable, and when it improves, it isn't just about improving upon them as a couple but as individuals in how they spend time and think about each other. This story isn't Romeo and Juliet. However, it's a love story that makes you feel that Conell and Marianne could be good for each other.

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Suicide, Mental Illness.

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jaderbugz's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

this book was not for me ✋🏽 don’t get the hype, it was kinda boring with bits that were just depressing af. not a fan of the writing style. and though a lot did happen, also nothing happened?? i feel like they are the same people they were in the beginning of the book. no development and tbh they’re both kinda boring people (which i guess could be nice in a way because they are truly “normal people”? lmao). also most of the conversations didn’t feel like they flowed like real conversations, which i was not a fan of.

i will say that despite this, there were two quotes i did really love. however, that’s probably the only positive thing i have to say about the book haha.

“Marianne, I’m not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me.”

“Life offers you these moments of joy despite everything.”

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saretta02's review against another edition

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medium-paced

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

2.5

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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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