Beautiful World, Where Are You

by Sally Rooney
Beautiful World, Where Are You cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 11112
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780735281790
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2021-09-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Beautiful World, Where Are You is a critically acclaimed novel that explores the intricacies of human relationships and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The story follows Alice, a novelist, and Felix, who works in a warehouse, as they embark on a trip to Rome. Meanwhile, Alice's best friend Eileen deals with a recent break-up and reconnects with Simon, a childhood friend. The novel delves into themes of desire, delusion, and the struggle to find beauty in the world around us. The novel has been praised for its sharp humor, intelligent dialogue, and deep emotional resonance. It has been named a best book of the year by several major publications, including The New York Times and The Guardian. The author's previous works have also been highly acclaimed, making this a must-read for fans of contemporary literary fiction.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · u/BookLover23 · 2023-09-20
mixed 3.00

The book is appreciated for its depth and complexity, but the characters can be annoying and uninteresting at times. The narrative is compelling but flawed.

u/BookLover23 appreciates the depth and complexity of 'Beautiful World, Where Are You,' but finds the characters to be annoying and uninteresting at times. They note that while the narrative is compelling and thought-provoking, it is also flawed by the pretentiousness of the characters and their philosophical musings. Despite these flaws, u/BookLover23 acknowledges the book's compelling exploration of modern relationships and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The reviewer finds the book to be a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance tempered by its flaws.

Quick quotes

    I could appreciate Beautiful World Where Are You but I didn't really enjoy it.

    The characters were annoying, often outright obnoxious, deeply pretentious in their philosophical musings.

    The book is a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance tempered by its flaws.

Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2022-06-23
thoughtful 4.00

The book explores the complexities of turning 30 and the changes it brings, with a focus on slightly older characters. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

Karissa finds that Sally Rooney's 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' delves deeply into the emotional and existential crises that often accompany turning 30. The characters are nuanced and relatable, making the story resonate with readers who have experienced similar life transitions. The book's exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world is both compelling and insightful. Karissa appreciates the author's ability to capture the essence of modern adulthood and the struggles that come with it.

Quick quotes

    Rooney focuses on slightly older characters, right on the cusp of change that turning 30 can bring.

    The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking.

    The book's exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world is both compelling and insightful.

The Guardian · Lizzy Davies · 2021-09-02
brilliant 4.50

The book examines themes of meaning, art, friendship, and the price of fame through the story of two couples. The narrative is brilliant and deeply engaging.

Lizzy Davies highlights how 'Beautiful World, Where Are You' masterfully examines the complexities of modern relationships and the search for meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming. The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable, making their journeys both compelling and emotionally resonant. Davies praises Rooney's ability to weave together themes of art, friendship, and the price of fame in a way that feels both timely and timeless. The book's exploration of human connection and the struggles of navigating adulthood is both brilliant and deeply engaging.

Quick quotes

    How do you follow two brilliantly acclaimed novels? Rooney examines meaning, art, friendship and the price of fame through the story of two couples.

    The characters are deeply flawed yet relatable, making their journeys both compelling and emotionally resonant.

    The book's exploration of human connection and the struggles of navigating adulthood is both brilliant and deeply engaging.

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