Book Review: Normal People by Sally Rooney
This is my review of Normal People by Sally Rooney, a novel that remains one of the most talked-about books even years after publication.
It’s one of my very favourite reads ever, and I genuinely cannot recommend it enough.
What’s more, the BBC adaptation of Normal People in 2020 is, in my opinion, one of the best book-to-screen adaptations ever made.
It captures the tone, the emotion, and the quiet intensity of the novel perfectly. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would absolutely set aside some time to watch it – it’s one of the best TV series I’ve seen in a long time (possibly ever).
If you’re looking for something similar to read next, I’ve also put together a list of books like Normal People.
Normal People (at a glance)
- Author: Sally Rooney
- Genre: Contemporary fiction / literary fiction
- Published: 2018
- My rating: ★★★★★
- Best for: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories, complex relationships, and introspective writing
What is Normal People about?
Rooney’s second novel tells the story of Connell and Marianne.
They meet in high school, where Connell is popular but Marianne is considered a social outcast. They strike up a secret relationship, opening up to each other in ways neither of them has before.
Fast forward a few years, and they’re both students at Trinity College Dublin. The dynamic between them shifts: Connell struggles to find his place, while Marianne seems, on the surface, to have found hers.
Their relationship continues to evolve subtly, but in ways that have a deep impact on each other.
It’s a simple story; not a lot happens in terms of plot.
And yet, there’s something about it that gripped me from beginning to end.
To make something so ordinary feel so emotionally powerful is quite a feat, and it’s what makes Rooney such a remarkable writer.
Compared to other contemporary novels, Normal People stands out for its minimal plot and intense focus on emotional interiority.
⚠️ Spoiler note: This review touches lightly on the emotional impact of the ending but doesn’t reveal specific plot details. If you’re completely new to Normal People, you can safely read this, but you may want to go in without knowing too much if you prefer a fully unspoiled experience.
Why Normal People stayed with me
This novel is adored by some and disliked by others. I am very firmly in the former category.
I’ve read Normal People multiple times, and I own at least three copies, each one filled with sticky notes, highlights, and margin notes.
I am completely obsessed with this novel.
What fascinates me most is how differently I experience it each time I reread it.
The first time I read it was just after my first breakup, and I was completely devastated by the ending. I couldn’t bear the ambiguity – not knowing whether Connell and Marianne would end up together felt almost unbearable!
A few years later, I read it again, and my reaction was entirely different. This time, I felt a sense of peace with the ending.
I would like to think that they somehow find their way back to each other in a romantic sense, but even if they don’t, what they shared during those formative years felt like enough.
That shift in perspective mirrors changes in my own life and maturity, which I find incredibly interesting. It’s one of the reasons I know I’ll keep returning to this book, and I’m curious to see how my interpretation continues to evolve over time.
Sally Rooney’s writing style in Normal People
I think each reader’s response to this novel will depend heavily on their own life experiences and the extent to which they relate to the inner turmoil of the characters.
Rooney has a way of putting into words exactly how I’ve felt about love, relationships, friendships, and identity.
At times, it feels almost unsettling, like she can see directly into your thoughts.
But it’s also incredibly comforting.
There’s something powerful about recognising your own emotions on the page and realising you’re not alone in them.
I connected deeply with both Connell and Marianne, and recognised parts of my own life experiences in their relationship, so it’s a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Is Normal People worth reading?
Yes, yes, yes.
If you enjoy emotionally intense, character-driven novels that explore relationships in a realistic and often uncomfortable way, then this is the book for you.
It’s not a plot-heavy book, and not a lot happens in a traditional sense.
However, its strength lies in how accurately it captures human connection, miscommunication, and the emotional complexity of growing up and finding your place in the world.
Final thoughts
Normal People is not a plot-driven novel, and it won’t appeal to everyone. But if you’re someone who values character, emotional depth, and psychological insight, it’s an unforgettable read.
It’s a book about connection, timing, miscommunication, and the ways people shape each other’s lives – often without fully realising it.
And for me, it’s a book that changes every time I read it.
If you enjoyed Normal People and are not quite ready to leave this world yet, you can dive into my favourite Normal People quotes, Normal People book club questions, and a full list of books mentioned in Normal People. Or, if you’re looking for your next read, I’ve also put together a list of books like Normal People.
Grab a copy of Normal People:
Amazon | Bookshop.org (UK)
FAQs about Normal People
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