Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

Title: Beautiful World, Where Are You
Author: Sally Rooney
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2021
Date of Publication: September 7, 2021
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0374602603
ISBN-13: 978-0374602604

Summary

Beautiful World, Where Are You follows the intertwined lives of four characters—Alice, Eileen, Felix, and Simon—as they navigate relationships, identity, and the search for meaning in a modern world.

Alice and Eilleen are two young women who are about to turn 30 years old. They first met while they were studying at University.

Alice has achieved literary success as a published author, while Eileen leads a quieter life, working in an office in Dublin.

Their enduring friendship is kept alive through emails where they share their thoughts on love, friendship, and the world around them.

The novel centers on their romantic entanglements, friendships, and personal reflections on society, art, and purpose.

Main Plot & Characters

Alice, who is recovering from a breakdown, meets Felix, a warehouse worker, and they form a complex bond. 

Eileen, Alice’s best friend, begins a relationship with Simon, her childhood friend. 

The story unfolds through emails exchanged between Alice and Eileen, allowing them to explore their philosophies and the intricacies of their connections.

Key Themes of Beautiful World, Where Are You

• Friendship and Intimacy: Explores the dynamics of close friendships and the nuances of romantic relationships.
• Search for Meaning: Reflects on questions of purpose and fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.
• Art and Society: Examines the role of art in capturing the human experience and engaging with societal issues.
• Love and Vulnerability: Highlights the complexities of love and the courage required to be vulnerable.

Writing Style

Sally Rooney’s writing is very detailed. Through the letters and emails exchanged between Alice and Eileen, you learn a lot about their personalities, beliefs, and life experiences.

Instead of using a lot of internal monologues, Rooney shows their thoughts and feelings through the words they share in their letters.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!