Normal People: The multimillion copy bestseller - Cover May Vary Paperback – 2 May 2019

For someone who is a big fan of the BBC series adaptation (and watched the series a few times now), I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read and finished it in six days and I loved it(!). I do also love a good coming-of-age story.There are some differences in the book that play out differently in the series, and I liked them but also... didn't at the same time. There are some scenes between the characters I really liked and was kind of disappointed we didn't get to see them on screen (although I can understand why).Nonetheless, the story is still emotional, and the main characters are still lovable and relatable. Reading the book as well as watching the series really does hit you in the feels with all those different moments: your last year of secondary school, starting a new chapter in your life, and learning how to navigate it. Meeting new people, saying goodbye to old friends. Wondering if you'll ever see them again. As well as facing new challenges.Furthermore, the different topics this book explores: friendships, relationships, power dynamics, jealousy, class, mental health and the intricacies of love and intimacy are all quite powerful.There were moments between the characters that added more depth to them. The moments where we get to see Connell and Mariannes' inner thoughts and desires were also really intriguing and gave us a new insight on how these people think and feel about certain things.I know it's very divisive with Sally Rooney books that they don't have speech marks, but I was fine with it.Overall, I thought this book was masterful. Just like the series. I look forward to reading more Sally Rooney books very, very soon.Thank you, Sally Rooney, for giving us this really emotional story about love and for making the BBC series happen in the first place. You truly are a national treasure. Thank you.

I have had this book on my shelf for quite some time now and have previously watched the BBC series, so I wanted to read the book.We follow Marianna and Connell’s relationship from their first interactions at school. At the same time, Marianne is a social pariah, and Connell is a famous star. Both are highly intelligent but from very different backgrounds and families. Marianne is rich, but her family are not particularly lovely. In contrast, Connell is poor, but his single mother is sweet and caring. Connell’s mother cleans for Marianne’s family, where their initial interactions occur as they don’t speak at school.Their relationship is complicated and tangled; it’s not a traditional romance, although that plays its part. It’s a polarising read and one that follows the path of so many before them. Every new chapter is a time jump and alternates between the two main characters as we follow them through university and their young adult lives.The two main characters are very awkward and flawed, making them appear more authentic. The story shows their thoughts and mental health issues. The other characters all play their parts; none of them is just there to add filler which is nice to see.Marianne’s family, her mother and brother, are truly horrible people. My only negative is that some of the conversations between Marianne and Connell are a little stilted and that it doesn’t always portray their true passion.Despite Marianne and Connell’s unwavering love for one another, this book doesn’t offer the happily ever after you may be expecting. Unfortunately, things are never as simple as you may hope, and we are left somewhat guessing the end.This was a quick and compelling read, exhausting and draining in parts. The characters are remarkably persuasive, but their love is so intense that you can feel like you’re experiencing it with them. The on-off style keeps you on your toes, but it’s not a ‘normal’ romance; there are points where they each have a ‘proper’ boyfriend or girlfriend as well as their passion for each other.This book pulls you in and lets you experience this rollercoaster relationship through the brilliant writing of Sally Rooney. I know the reviews for this are very varied, but I really enjoyed this and will probably re-read it later.

This book speaks for itself. It’s been a popular book for a while now and I was late to the bandwagon but i’m glad I got there in the end. This story is a beautiful story of 2 characters growing up with and without each other. There are beautiful scenes of true young love and also the pressures young people face with impressing peers. I’m now 23 and it really reminded me of how I felt in school and I just wanted to tell the characters that the people they knew in school most probably won’t be in their lives in a few years. Everyone grows up. The writing is perfect and I know Sally Rooney has been a little controversial for her style of writing with not including speech marks but I personally really get along with it - it allows the writing to have a better flow. This is top tier along with CWF.

I loved the series so I wanted to read the book and I’m not disappointed, the book is great. It’s an easy read, structured into chapters of time increments and then sub-chapters seen from different character point of views. I really enjoy the interaction between the two main characters, it’s not your stereotypical dramatic romance, it’s a much more modern take and feels much more real because if that.

Me encantó, llegó en excelentes condiciones, la historia es muy buena, en mi caso me identifique con los personajes, es muy fluido aunque la forma en la que están escritos los diálogos puede realizar confusa

forst book i read from this author nad was good

The different emotions expressed throughout the story were very well written and expressed in a way they became easier to empathize with . How trauma affects ones character and so on their decision-making, which paves their journey through life, can be clearly studied by the character development as the story unfolds . Beautifully, the story portrays how a bond with someone special can persist through thick and thin.

I liked it