There's a first-rate book buried inside Sally Rooney's "Normal People" . . . but the novel is too loose-limbed and (often) implausible for its own good. Many characters are either very"good" or very"bad" WITH CAPITAL LETTERS (the two main protagonists' respective mothers, in particular . . . more types than believable people). Others are dropped onto the page . . . and disappear. Conversations between characters are often used to move the plot forward . . . but the exchanges themselves appear to come out of nowhere and don't seem to be something the speaker in question would actually say. It's also hard to believe that the man and woman around which the plot revolves are at the top of their class at Trinity College (on full scholarships, no less!): no one so much as cracks a book or spends any discernible time studying. Neither of them is particularly articulate . . . and the male character's conversations rarely progress beyond an oft-used (and muttered) "Yeah." It is clear that Rooney's interest is not with the "finer" points of novel writing (too often one has to suspend disbelief here; the above criticisms can be applied to Rooney's first novel, "Conversations With Friends"). That said, the on-again/off-again relationship of the central male and female characters is beautifully done (quite gripping, really) . . . and it is for THAT reason that the book is worth reading.Try to read past the book's flaws; it's worth the effort. (And the ending is perfect [no spoilers here!].)Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I had mixed feelings. As a senior citizen I felt that this book would be more suitable for the younger generation, that is, twenties and thirties. The characters have a very hip life style and it seems that they feel compelled to have sex with everyone they date, even casually. However, it is relatively well written.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Book was terrific!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Spare, streamlined prose with superb dialogue. Captures with honesty and accuracy the often troubling relationships of the young.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Excited
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books