Normal People, by Sally Rooney follows Connell and Marianne in their high school and college years, as they struggle with self-esteem, new relationships, as well as maintaining their own friendship. Connell and Marianne live in Dublin, and after graduating high school, they both attend Trinity College. When they reconnect, they realize that the two of them have branched out and branched in. Marianne has blossomed into a new social crowd and isn't the outcast anymore. Connell, however, who used to be the more social of the two has become more solitary and is struggling with self-esteem.
This book was gut-wrenching. It was heartbreaking, but it was real. Rooney does a great job of portraying the internal conflicts that both characters go through. While the story was frustrating at parts, it was a beautiful story of people loving each other, and what that love takes. The passing of time was just as frustrating, as both characters' actions didn't really align with their established character which became confusing at times, but it just showed how time affects people. I would read up trigger warnings before you read the book, as heavy topics are discussed and are major themes in the story.
Reviewed by Vanya, Grade 11
Glendale Central People
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