Normal People by Sally Rooney is a contemporary novel that explores the complex relationship between two young people, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate their way through school, university, and early adulthood. The novel explores themes of class, identity, power, and the complexities of modern relationships.
The story begins in a small town in Ireland where Connell and Marianne first meet in secondary school. Connell is a popular athlete from a working-class family, while Marianne is an introverted loner from a wealthy background. Despite their differences, they strike up an unlikely friendship that eventually develops into a complicated romantic relationship.
As the story progresses, both characters attend Trinity College in Dublin, where their relationship becomes more intense and fraught with tension. Connell struggles to reconcile his feelings for Marianne with his fear of being judged by his peers, while Marianne battles with her own demons and the lingering effects of her traumatic childhood.
The novel is divided into four parts, each spanning a different period of their lives. The first part covers their final year in secondary school, where they begin their secret relationship. The second part covers their time at Trinity College in Dublin, where Connell is now the outsider and Marianne has found her place in the social hierarchy. The third part takes place after college, where they both move to Dublin and lead separate lives. The final part sees them reunite in their hometown and finally confront their feelings for each other.
One of the most significant themes of the novel is the complexity of human relationships. Connell and Marianne’s relationship is complicated by their different social backgrounds, as well as their own personal issues. They struggle to communicate with each other and express their feelings, which leads to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Their relationship also reflects the power dynamics that exist in romantic relationships, with both characters struggling to assert themselves and find their place in the relationship.
Another notable aspect of the novel is Rooney’s exploration of social class and its impact on individuals’ lives. Marianne comes from a wealthy family but is emotionally and physically abused by her brother and father. Connell, on the other hand, comes from a working-class background and struggles to fit in at Trinity College. The novel highlights how social class can limit opportunities for individuals and perpetuate cycles of abuse and trauma.
One of the strengths of “Normal People” is Rooney’s ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. Both Connell and Marianne are well-drawn and fully realized characters with their own distinct personalities, flaws, and vulnerabilities. Their relationship is nuanced and complicated. The novel’s focus on their internal thoughts and emotions allows readers to empathize with them and understand their motivations, even when their actions are frustrating or confusing.
Rooney also excels at capturing the intricacies of human relationships, particularly the power dynamics that exist between people in different social classes. The novel explores the ways in which class can shape a person’s identity and the impact this can have on their relationships.
Another strength of the novel is the way in which Rooney tackles difficult topics such as mental health, trauma, and abuse. These issues are handled with sensitivity and nuance, and the novel does not shy away from showing the long-lasting effects of trauma on a person’s life.
However, one potential weakness of the novel is its slow pace. The narrative is character-driven, which means there is a lack of action or plot development. Some readers may find the novel meandering or tedious as a result. Additionally, some readers may find the characters frustrating, because to a reader it may seem as if their issues mostly stem from a very evident lack of communication.
Rooney’s writing style is spare and precise, with a focus on the characters’ internal thoughts and emotions. The dialogue is naturalistic and realistic, capturing the hesitancy and awkwardness of real-life conversations. The novel’s structure is also noteworthy, with each part focusing on a different stage of their lives, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of their relationship and personal growth.
Overall, “Normal People” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of modern relationships and the impact of class and trauma on identity. Rooney’s writing is both insightful and empathetic, capturing the nuances of human behavior and emotion with precision and sensitivity. Although the slow pace may not be to everyone’s taste (personally, it’s not my cup of tea), the novel is a powerful exploration of the human experience.