When Marianne says defeatedly, “I don’t know why I can’t be like normal people,” her insecurity and fear of being damaged, as well as her desire to be better, to be okay, is very relatable, and thus, ironically, very normal. They invite you to see yourself in one or the other, or both. But, rather than turning readers away from these characters, their flaws draw you in. Connell, blinded by his fears about how he is perceived, ends up hurting others, as well as himself. Marianne allows herself and almost desires to be treated badly, believing on some level it is what she deserves. They make mistakes, which can be difficult to overcome and forgive. Both Marianne and Connell harbor deep-rooted flaws and anxieties which jeopardize their relationship and individual happiness. Rooney makes the characters in her novel unflinchingly, and at times apologetically, human, a refreshing contrast to the manic-pixie-dream girl/boy trope. What first comes across as a romance reveals itself to be a grand coming-of-age story spanning their last year of high school and first few years at university.

Normal People by Sally Rooney follows the pair as they engage in an on-again, off-again relationship. Upon Marianne’s suggestion, and Connell’s questionable acceptance, the pair keep their sexual-and accidentally romantic-relationship a secret to keep Connell from the potential ridicule he might face if he is seen with her. In these private moments, a flirtation begins to bloom, and eventually something more. They go to the same school in the small town of Carricklea, Ireland, but they only speak to each other when Connell goes to pick up his mom, who works as a housekeeper for Marianne’s family. Marianne is an independent-minded social outcast. Book Content Warnings: Sexual assault, Suicide

Normal people a novel