The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

Finished Normal People? Let’s talk about it.

How did Connell and Marianne’s journey land with you—their missteps, their silences, their moments of tenderness? Did Rooney’s minimalist style pull you in, frustrate you, or both?

Share your final thoughts, reviews, or favorite (or most painful) moments—and don’t forget to use spoiler tags for the big reveals.

I finished this quickly but only because I had a day when I was able to listen and do chores simultaneously.

I didn’t find the book entertaining or even engaging. If my library and pulled it from my loan shelf at any point during the book I would not have been upset.

The story begins with two teenagers in Dublin and how their lives intersect into their twenties.

My review is lukewarm Meh.

If feelings had been discussed honestly from the beginning the book would have been better in my opinion. But I think the book is more about the fact that they didn’t and what happened. Not my cup of tea.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Julie, I agree with you. But John's review is really a great one. Because for our genre, for what it was meant, it nailed it. I only gave it three stars. I did finish it quickly also but that was because I spent the day flying. And the plane didnt have online entertainment. Here is my review with a 3 star rating of the book.

This is not my normal genre. It takes a lot for me to enjoy real-world books. I want to be pulled away from real-world struggles, not thrust in to read about them.

With that being said, I didn't dislike either of the main characters. It made me feel and look at some of my friendships differently. It made me want to help Marianne.

The story kept me engaged. But read with caution.

Hi everyone, here is my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I do understand why this book my not resonate with some.
the writing style felt off at first
but going into this, especially after researching Sally Rooney and her political views, I knew that there were deeper meanings in the book
I was reading it and analysing every line
this is not a teenage romance or even a coming of age story.
Once I understood that, the book became a whole new experience
I will be reading Intermezzo next

One thing I do like about this book is the response isnt universal. While part of me wants every book we read to be a 5 star experience for everyone--I am appreciating that this one hits everyone differently. Liking that everyone has a different take or experiences the story differently.

Agreed, John!