Reginald Barkley’s Reviews > Intermezzo > Status Update

THIS TORTOISE IS CRYING, HE JUST WANTS HIS BROTHER TO KNOW HE CARES ABOUT HIM

Concluded part one at last. Ivan focused chapters to wrap it up. I love the way Sally Rooney describes emotions. It’s evident she has felt them deeply to be able to describe them with such precision. Related to the feelings Ivan felt surrounding the embarrassment felt from having an emotional outburst with family as well as the confidence felt when being seen with your partner.

“Nights he no longer has to spend trapped in claustrophobic solitude. self-medicated, panic attack or am I dying how to tell. Instead the deep replenishing reservoir of her presence.” - pg. 127

“For her, wanting her approval.
Cases he takes on to impress her, difficult thankless unpaid work. To earn her respect. All the good in him, what little there is. Trying to be loved by her. His morality. Principle of his life.”

I fear that I might end up consuming this novel without moderation (dangerous). I found the stream of consciousness style of prose off putting in chapter 1 from Peter’s point of view but rather enjoyable for Ivan/Margarets chapter. I find Ivan and Margaret very enjoyable and endearing. Peter didn’t shine as much in his introductory chapter but I remain interested for more information on his life.