Normal People

by Sally Rooney
Normal People cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00
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  • ID: 616
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9786022916512
  • Publisher: Bentang Pustaka
  • Published: 2020-01-01
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 4

'Normal People' delves into the intricate dynamics of a relationship between two individuals from different social backgrounds. Connel, a popular boy in school, struggles with the expectations of others, while Marianne, considered an outcast, finds solace in their connection. As they transition to college, their roles reverse, and their relationship becomes more complicated, filled with trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt. The novel beautifully captures the essence of young love and the struggles of growing up, making it a modern classic. /n/nThe story is not just about romance but also about the complexities of family, friendship, and the societal pressures that shape our identities. It's a profound exploration of human behavior and the psychological conflicts that arise from our interactions and experiences.

Reviews
Writers Block Magazine · 2022-04-28
Engaging 4.00

The novel is character-driven with minimal plot, which the reviewer found engaging. The dialogue is seen as a strong point, driving the narrative forward.

The reviewer finds the novel to be very character-driven, with a focus on dialogue rather than extensive descriptions or plot. This minimalist approach is seen as a strength, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the characters. The reviewer appreciates the way the story unfolds through the interactions between the characters, making it a unique and compelling read. The novel's exploration of different psychological outcomes and social dynamics is also highlighted as noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    Normal People is a very character-driven novel, stripped down to dialogue with few descriptions and little plot.

    The novel shows the different psychological outcomes that can come from mental and physical abuse, an absent father, and social and economic disparities.

    The dialogue is the driving force behind the narrative, making it a unique and compelling read.

Lucy Danser · 2021-09-20
Enjoyable 4.50

The book is described as a pacy and enjoyable read with a lot of interesting ideas packed into it. The reviewer was surprised by the depth of the novel's themes.

The reviewer found the book to be a fast-paced and enjoyable read, with a lot of interesting ideas and themes woven throughout. They were surprised to realize, upon reflection, just how much depth the novel contains. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, with the reviewer appreciating the way the author explores complex emotional and social issues. The novel's pacing is praised, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    The book is such a pacy, enjoyable read that it surprises me to sit and think now of all the interesting ideas Rooney has stuffed in there.

    It's a fast-paced and enjoyable read with a lot of depth.

    The novel's pacing is praised, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

The Guardian · Lucy Scholes · 2018-09-26
profound 4.50

The novel is a profound exploration of human relationships, capturing the nuances of love and friendship with remarkable honesty. The characters' emotional journeys are both relatable and deeply moving.

Lucy Scholes praises Sally Rooney's 'Normal People' for its raw and unflinching portrayal of modern relationships. She highlights the author's ability to delve into the complexities of human emotions, making the characters' experiences feel incredibly real. Scholes appreciates the novel's dialogue-driven narrative, which adds depth to the story and keeps readers engaged. She also notes how the book's exploration of mental health issues adds a layer of authenticity and relevance to the characters' struggles. Overall, Scholes finds the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that resonates with contemporary readers.

Quick quotes

    Rooney’s writing is so sharp and so precise that it feels like a scalpel cutting through the layers of emotional baggage.

    The novel’s dialogue is so authentic that it feels like eavesdropping on a real conversation.

    Normal People is a love story for our times, capturing the messy, complicated nature of modern relationships.

The New York Times · Parul Sehgal · 2018-09-20
masterful 4.75

The book is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling, with Rooney's understated prose conveying deep emotional depth. The characters' evolving relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Parul Sehgal commends Sally Rooney for her minimalist yet powerful storytelling in 'Normal People'. She notes how Rooney's sparse prose effectively conveys the emotional weight of the characters' experiences, making their journeys deeply resonant. Sehgal particularly appreciates the way the novel captures the push-and-pull dynamics of a complex relationship, highlighting the characters' growth and vulnerabilities. She also praises the book's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, making it a truly immersive read. Sehgal concludes that 'Normal People' is a testament to Rooney's skill as a writer and a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary fiction.

Quick quotes

    Rooney’s prose is so spare and precise that it feels like a scalpel cutting through the clutter of modern life.

    The novel’s exploration of love and friendship is both tender and brutal, capturing the messy, complicated nature of human relationships.

    Normal People is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling, where every word counts and every emotion is laid bare.

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