Normal People by Sally Rooney

Title: Normal People
Author: Sally Rooney
Publisher: Hogarth
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: February 18, 2020
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 1984822187
ISBN-13: 978-1984822185

Summary of Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People follows the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell, two Irish teenagers from contrasting social backgrounds, as they journey through love, friendship, and self-discovery from high school to university.

Marianne comes from a wealthy yet emotionally distant family, while Connell is raised by his single mother, who works as a cleaner in Marianne’s home.

Main Plot & Characters

Marianne and Connell, despite their differences, are two very intelligent people. While Connell is a popular athlete, Marianne is an outsider at school.

At the start of the book, their interactions are limited to brief encounters when Connell picks up his mother from Marianne’s house. However, their relationship takes a turn when they share a kiss and begin a secret sexual relationship.

Connell insists on keeping the relationship hidden, fearing it might jeopardize his social standing and ruin his friendships. 

Their bond evolves over the years, facing challenges of communication, self-esteem, and societal expectations.

The book also explores their personal journeys for self improvement. For Marianne, it means confronting her pattern of entering toxic relationships, shaped by her dysfunctional upbringing, and learning to recognize her own worth.

For Connell, it involves navigating new environments where he feels out of place, coming to terms with his value, and realizing he belongs even among the elite.

Key Themes of Normal People

• Love and Intimacy: Explores the nuances of romantic and platonic relationships.
• Class and Identity: Examines how socioeconomic status influences self-perception and interactions.
• Communication and Misunderstanding: Highlights the impact of miscommunication on relationships.
• Personal Growth: Follows the characters’ journeys toward self-acceptance and maturity.

Writing Style

Sally Rooney’s writes in a very distinctive style where she choses to not use quotation marks for dialogue, which is an interesting approach to writing.

The way she describes the emotions of the characters is well done. She captures the complexities of her characters’ love lives, inner conflicts, and challenging moments.

Impact of Normal People

The novel received widespread acclaim, winning several awards.

In April of 2020, the book was adapted into a successful television series. 

If you enjoyed this summary, we’d love to hear your recommendations for similar books! Have you read this book already, or is it on your list? And if you’ve read it, which scene or chapter left the biggest impression on you, and why?