Not a Review: 03

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a book that was made popular by platforms like #booktok and #bookstagram. I've seen books like this divide readers into two groups. That's why I postponed reading it for a while before finally giving in, to see what the hype/hate was actually about.

People who know me know that I love flawed protagonists, and this book gave me two, so it was unlikely that I'd hate the book. However, some parts made me want to rip the book apart or punch a wall, although I feel that was an appropriate reaction to the characters actions and reflects on how well Rooney has crafted them.

In "Normal People," Sally Rooney has crafted a tale that captivates the reader from the very first page. Rooney's beautiful writing has a melancholic undertone that tugs at your heartstrings. There's a sense of restlessness and uncertainty that pervades throughout the book. The seamless back-and-forth narration adds depth to the story, showing the characters' growth and changing relationship over time, which is quite fascinating.

But what really sets this book apart is the characterization. Rooney has created two characters that feel so real, it's almost as if you know them personally. They're flawed, complex, and so relatable. You'll find yourself rooting for them, crying with them, and wanting to hug them. As I read in one of the reviews, "Rooney's writing is sparse yet deeply emotional, and it feels like every sentence has been carefully considered." This careful consideration is evident in the way she constructs her characters, with both Marianne and Connell coming across as multi-faceted, complex individuals that you can't help but care for.

I loved that this isn't just a boy-meets-girl whirlwind romance.One of the reasons why "Normal People" is so widely loved is its exploration of themes that are often avoided in mainstream literature. These include the impact of class discrimination on identity, abuse within families and relationships, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. These issues are explored in-depth and yet with a careful nuance, thus illustrating how they shape the characters and their relationships. Rooney's approach to these topics is grounded in her deep understanding of the characters she has created, and as a result, it never feels forced or contrived.

These are some reasons that kept me hooked to the book till the end. I couldn't put it down, and when I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. "Normal People" is the kind of book that will stay with you long after you've finished it.

If you're looking for a beautifully written, heartbreaking, and captivating read, I highly recommend this book.