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A review by maiathemagical
Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I don't know quite what to say about Normal People. I was, as many people were, disappointed by the ending - not in a huge "Oh, you've fucked it all up!" way, but more "Oh. Right then. I guess that's it". I felt as though Rooney could have written that last page rather differently, even if it were to come to the same conclusion, and the novel would have been better for it.
And yet, the raw emotive power of her writing -always but especially within the first and last fifty or so - totally captivated me. She had a way of making me feel exactly what Connell and Marianne were feeling, and her writing style - utilitarian yet descriptive when necessary, especially of internal states - was a huge contributor to that.
I think ultimately I am glad that I read Normal People (thanks Lily), and I would recommend it, despite its mediocre ending and a feeling that it dragged just a little towards the middle of the story. The feelings are just too good to pass up on.
And yet, the raw emotive power of her writing -always but especially within the first and last fifty or so - totally captivated me. She had a way of making me feel exactly what Connell and Marianne were feeling, and her writing style - utilitarian yet descriptive when necessary, especially of internal states - was a huge contributor to that.
I think ultimately I am glad that I read Normal People (thanks Lily), and I would recommend it, despite its mediocre ending and a feeling that it dragged just a little towards the middle of the story. The feelings are just too good to pass up on.