Hey folks! Today, I’m reviewing Sally Rooney’s novel, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. With realistic characters, subtle plot twists, and a simple yet engaging writing style, this book hits all the right notes. But don’t be fooled; it’s not without its quirks. So grab some tissues and let’s get down to it!
In a nutshell
‘Normal People’ is a contemporary fiction novel by Sally Rooney. It follows the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell as they navigate life from high school to university. Themes of love, class, and personal growth are richly explored. Rooney’s writing is simple yet profound, making this an emotional and engaging read.
Character Development in Sally Rooney’s Novels
Have you ever met someone in a book and felt like they could walk right out of the page into your life? That’s how I felt reading Sally Rooney’s novels. Her characters are so real, they might as well have a heartbeat. I remember reading ‘Normal People’ and feeling like Marianne and Connell were my own friends. Maybe it’s because Rooney writes about feelings and thoughts we don’t usually say out loud. There’s an awkwardness and beauty to it. It’s like peeking behind the curtain in someone’s life.
Rooney’s characters don’t just exist; they evolve. Remember in ‘Conversations with Friends’ when Frances changes her perspectives on relationships? It’s like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, but with less goo. The characters have flaws and make mistakes. Sometimes, you want to shake them and at other times, give them a hug. They’re messy humans, just like us.
However, not everyone will love this. Some readers might find the characters too introspective or slow to change. It’s like waiting for a snail to win a race. If you prefer action-packed character arcs, Rooney’s style might not be your cup of tea. But if you love deep, realistic explorations into human nature, she’s got you covered.
Her characters are like onions; you peel back one layer only to find another. It can be frustrating but also rewarding. You get invested in their journey. Even if you don’t agree with their choices, you understand them. That’s a sign of solid character development.
Stay tuned for the next section where I’ll unravel the plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Delving into the Plot Twists in Sally Rooney’s Novels
Sally Rooney is a master at making the readers pause and think, and her plot twists are no exception. First-time Rooney readers might feel like they’re wading through calm waters, only to find out they’re in the middle of an emotional storm! I remember reading Normal People on a lazy Sunday, expecting a chill romance. Boy, was I wrong! Midway through, the storyline took a sharp turn, and I found myself glued to the book, unable to predict what would happen next.
Rooney doesn’t rely on outlandish surprises to keep her readers hooked. Instead, her plot twists often come from deeply human moments. You think you know where the story is heading, but then a character says something or realizes something, and suddenly, the whole dynamic changes. It’s like expecting a fluffy pancake and biting into a spicy slice of jalapeño!
While Rooney’s plot twists are subtle, they pack a punch. Her twists are like those sneaky waves at the beach that catch you off guard and make you laugh, or sometimes, gasp. But, let’s be honest, they’re not for everyone. If you’re looking for plot twists where the butler did it, Rooney’s books might not hit the mark for you. They’re more about the emotional and psychological twists that come from relationships and personal growth.
That being said, it’s the subtlety that makes her work feel more real and relatable. Her plot twists show us that life is unpredictable, but not always in huge, dramatic ways. This makes her books feel like a slice of life, albeit a rollercoaster one.
Stick around, because next, we’re diving into the fascinating writing style of Sally Rooney, a discussion you won’t want to miss!
Writing Style in Sally Rooney’s Novels
Let’s talk about the writing style of Sally Rooney. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, eavesdropping on a deep and meaningful conversation. Rooney’s writing feels like that. Her prose is as smooth as freshly brewed coffee. It’s simple, yet it packs a punch.
Rooney has this knack for making you feel like you’re peeking into the lives of real people. Her writing is not flashy or filled with big words that make you want to reach for a dictionary. Instead, it’s plain and clear, the kind that flows effortlessly. Her characters talk like real people. Sometimes you even wonder if she’s secretly listening to your conversations.
But here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re someone who loves flowery language and poetic descriptions, Rooney’s style might not hit the sweet spot for you. She avoids lengthy descriptions, focusing more on dialogue and internal thoughts. It’s like she’s painting a picture with simple brush strokes, letting you fill in the details yourself.
Another thing to note is her use of punctuation, or should I say the lack of it. Rooney skips traditional quotation marks in dialogues, which some readers find jarring at first. But once you get used to it, it becomes part of the charm. It makes the conversations feel more intimate and personal, like you’re part of the scene.
Now that we’ve explored her writing style, let’s discuss how Rooney’s words strike an emotional chord, bringing us to the next section: the emotional impact of her novels.
Emotional Impact in Sally Rooney’s Novels
Let me tell you, Sally Rooney knows how to hit you right in the feels. I mean, her books should come with a warning label: ‘May cause sudden bursts of emotion.’ If you’ve read Normal People or Conversations with Friends, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The characters in Rooney’s novels don’t just exist; they live, breathe, and stumble through life’s messiness like the rest of us. Take Marianne and Connell from Normal People, for instance. Their on-again, off-again relationship is like watching a slow-motion car crash—you can’t look away, and it leaves you emotionally winded. These characters feel so real you might find yourself wanting to send them a Facebook friend request.
Rooney’s skill lies in her ability to capture raw, unfiltered human emotions. When she writes about loneliness, you feel a pang of isolation. When she explores love, you’re right there with butterflies in your stomach. And when she delves into heartbreak, oh boy, it feels like someone just broke up with you via text message.
One thing I love about her is that she doesn’t shy away from exploring the uncomfortable, the awkward, and the downright painful. She digs deep into her characters’ psyches, making us feel their hopes, fears, and everything in between. But beware, if you’re looking for a feel-good, happily-ever-after kind of read, Sally Rooney might not be your cup of tea.
So, do I recommend Rooney’s novels? Absolutely. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Conclusion
Sally Rooney’s novels are an emotional rollercoaster with realistic characters and subtle plot twists. Her simple, engaging writing style may lack poetic flair but perfectly captures raw emotions like loneliness and heartbreak. If you’re a fan of deep emotional journeys and character evolution, her books are for you. Just keep a box of tissues nearby! This concludes my review.
