Normal People: One million copies sold

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Throughout the book I kept thinking why, why is this not working for me? Why I'm becoming more and more annoyed? Why don't I care? Why?? Maybe because I am no longer a target audience of the book. Sally Rooney is an incredible author. She has a really interesting, almost callous writing style, that makes all of her books feel both detached and overly emotional. They're almost written in the style of the voice in your head- obviously biased toward you, but talking as if it's fact because your own brain will always see your perspective as true. Similarly is the writing structured, like a consistent stream of thought. I can see how that isn't for everyone, but I found it really easy to follow and loved it so much I bought all of her other books too. (They're all great) Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't. Elif Batuman, author of my favourite "The Idiot" said: "I couldn't put "Normal People" down - I didn't think I could love it as much as "Conversations with Friends", but I did. Sally Rooney is a treasure. I can't wait to see what she does next."

Normal People: One million copies sold a book by Sally Rooney. Normal People: One million copies sold a book by Sally Rooney.

Nice enough writing and observations but somewhat dull and infantile. The very notion of the two people, seemingly perfect for each other, ruining each other's lives over and over again drove me mad. It became repetitive, then it became boring. I just could not stand reading about on-off relationship of these young damaged adults while such important matters like domestic abuse, depression and mental health in general were hugely overlooked. Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins. I really cannot see why the novel made it to the Man Booker Prize longlist. And yes, perhaps it's not a one star book but at this point, this is what I feel.