Category: Book Review

Sally Rooney’s novel, Normal People, develops a raw and intense representation of human relationships and behaviour, navigating through the complexities of intimacy, morality, and desire. 

The plot revolves around two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, who come from different social and economic backgrounds, yet find themselves entangled in a deep and complicated connection, as the narrative unfolds through different points of their lives. 

During high school, Connell and Marianne only exist on the periphery of each other’s worlds. Despite their shared academic excellence, their portraits are total opposites: Marianne is an outcast with a sharp wit and a semblance of a confident character, standing in contrast with Connell, who is popular and athletic, yet more reserved and self-conscious. What ends up bringing them closer is their economic positions, since Connell’s mum works as a maid for Marianne’s family. 

As they journey through university life, their roles in society reverse, affecting them individually and as a couple. Therefore, Marianne and Connell circle one another, straying toward other people and possibilities but always magnetically drawn back together. As we dig deeper into the fluctuating power dynamics in their relationship, concerns of class, power, and social dynamics arise, while the growth, flaws, and vulnerabilities of the characters are explored. 

Sally Rooney’s writing is incredibly effective, evasive, and direct (não é um bocado uma contradiction?), enabling readers to get inside the protagonists’ minds and understand their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. Also, the third-person narrative, alternating between Marianne and Connell’s perspectives, bridges the gap between their individual experiences and gives a more realistic representation of their lives. 

While reading, it becomes impossible not to feel drawn to the tension between the characters, leaving a perpetual curiosity about the outcome of their relationship. In this context, the story fosters an emotional connection between the reader and the character, as we face the struggles of two people trying to find their place in the world. 

In conclusion, Normal People encourages people to question the concept of normality, by exploring different characters and weird relationships, according to social norms. Ultimately, we are reminded that even seemingly “normal” people are multifaceted and marked by their own unique experiences.