A review by nats_world23
Normal People by Sally Rooney

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-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

2.5

First, I’ll note that I listened to the audiobook, so I didn’t even know there were no quotations, but the writing style of reverting to a memory in the middle of describing the current situation was definitely confusing at times. In regards to the characters and character development, it was a bit frustrating hearing their stories. There were things I appreciated about this book. I appreciate realistic and raw stories. At times I liked how mundane and glossed over their issues were, but at other times I wish there was more emphasis on the gravity of the issues they were facing. I wish by the end there was a sense of progress and hope but the progress felt quite minuscule and quite honestly I feel so helpless towards them and it’s so disappointing. I have dealt with depression and self hatred, but in the last couple of years I’ve gotten help and support and come along way. So I guess maybe I just feel triggered? I feel like I was brought back to those feelings in a way but just left there. I can’t imagine having read this book during that time and getting any comfort by it. I think it would have made me feel less hopeful for myself and I think that’s why this book bothers me. At times it was endearing that they always found their way back together, but that by the end of it they were basically just co-dependent on each other it just made me sad. I feel like this book will stay with me for a long time. I plan on watching the series eventually. Idk if I’m ready for it. Maybe the point of the book was to leave us feeling this way and if so then, congrats, but idk I feel like it just wasn’t the right fit for me. 
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