Costa Irish Book Awards Novel Prize: Novel of the Year Award: The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Glamour, Elle, Marie Claire, Vox, NPR, The Paris Review, O: The Oprah Magazine.
“He just wanted to be a normal person, to hide whatever about himself seemed embarrassing and confusing.” Connell and Marianne are classmates growing up in the same small town in Ireland, but their similarities end here. Marianne lives with her family in a mansion, while Connell's mother is their cleaner. Connell is popular and liked by everyone at school, while Marianne has no friends.
One day, the two of them begin an awkward conversation and their lives change. A year later, they are students in Dublin. Marianne has become sociable, in contrast to Connell, who, shy and insecure now, doesn’t seem to enjoy student life. They both experiment with romantic experiences, but, unable to resist, they keep returning to each other. Until they face how far they can go to save one another.
Normal People. A story about two people – captivating and complex – who try to stay apart but fail. A story about how our traumas shape us and how difficult it is to change who we are. And it reveals, with poignant tenderness, how love governs us and how, no matter how much we hurt and are hurt, we always long to love and be loved.
One of the 100 best books of the 21st century. Guardian
One of the best novels of the decade. Entertainment Weekly
A novel that must be read in one breath. The Washington Post
Rooney is the first great novelist of the Millennial generation thanks to her love stories in the age of late capitalism. The New Yorker
An astounding novel about the power relationships have to transform us. People
Deservedly, Sally Rooney's "Normal People" has sparked much discussion. The author explores the dynamics of social classes and youthful love with a witty and nuanced approach. The Wall Street Journal
Like a high-fashion designer with immense confidence, Rooney cuts and stitches words into perfect shape... She writes about tough commonplace things (texts, emails, sex) with a familiarity that no one else has. The Paris Review
Funny and incisive, it masterfully combines social observation with intense feelings. Rooney is a virtuoso of the expressionless Millennials, able to distill a whole life, or a personality, into one or two phrases. Harper’s Magazine
A masterfully written novel. The quality of Rooney's writing, especially in the psychologically forged sexual scenes, cannot be overstated, as it beautifully opens a window to the true selves of her protagonists. Bookpage
