Just finished 'Normal People'. Despite containing some horrendous characters, I was touched by the stark simplicity and raw candour of the writing and how deftly Sally Rooney portrays the enduring relationship between the two main characters. 1/

I relished the subtle time shifts, the luminous descriptions of Dublin, the elements, everyday objects and the way conversations gently stop and start. It's a quietly revolutionary approach to writing that reminds me, in small part, of Joyce's less abstract work. 3/

Rooney uses dialogue really effectively, especially to portray people's insecurities - the mostly internalised approach providing deeper insight into the ongoing and sometimes disassociated relationships.
There is sometimes unbearable sadness within the pages 4/

yet, also, a sense of hope. She articulates what depression feels like with precision and reflection. She exposes how relentlessly horrible some people can be. She examines class divides with a keen eye and rarely descends into cliche. This book, whilst not life-changing is, /5

nonetheless, compelling, engaging and stylistically very original. I would recommend it, without reservation as a precious, considered rumination on love and tangled relationships and I'm glad it has occupied my head over the last week.
Any views or cooments @Team_English1?