Normal People A Novel

Vorweg: Entweder man mag den Schreibstil oder nicht. Ich glaube das beeinflusst einfach sehr stark, wie man in die Geschichte reinkommt und ob man sich abgeholt fühlt. Ich fand den Schreibstil absolut passend: irgendwie trocken und gleichzeitig schlagen die Worte mit voller Wucht ein. Sehr emotional. Die Geschichte ist tragisch, schön, toxisch, romantisch, herzzerreißend, ehrlich, echt und roh. Ich wollte zwischendurch beide schütteln und sagen REDET MAL RICHTIG MITEINANDER! Ich war also richtig DRIN, haha.

My absolute favorite book ever written. I actually really enjoyed the writing style, the missing quotation marks represented the miscommunication between the characters perfectly. The story wrecked me and still has me thinking about it years after my first read. "I´m not a religious person but I do sometimes think god made you for me" but don´t be fooled, this is not a sappy love story at all.

"Normal People" is by far the most realistic and relatable coming of age novel. Rooney´s raw and plain writing style can be confusing in the beginning but I recommend everyone, who didn´t like it the first time, to give it another go. She depicts the struggles and insecurities of high school, college and first love by having these two people who just can´t get away from each other. You get glimpses of their life following big milestones and mundane everyday life. You get literally thrown into their perspective without a real beginning or ending. This reads like the true story of someone and in the end you´re left wondering how the rest of their life continues. A heartfelt story about love, finding oneself and trying to navigate life.

Honestly, after reading the book, the title makes so much sense and summarizes the book perfectly already. Marianne doesn't feel normal and she meets Connell who - in spite of seeming pretty normal - also does not feel normal. The two start an unconventional relationship that stretches out into their late twenties and - is in light of everything that can happen in a lifetime - absolutely normal. With all it's beauty, flaws, misunderstandings, frustrating, confusing, revolting, hurtful, joyous and strange moments; Marianne and Connells lives are those of two normal people. And that is exactly what makes this book so incredibly powerful. It doesn't try to portray two misunderstood, mysterious outcasts who go throught this superhuman metamorphosis. It just tells the story of two people that are utterly normal and with that it manages to make every reader feel a little less alone. Truly, a modern classic.

Normal People is a beautifully written exploration of love, friendship, and personal growth. Following Connell and Marianne through high school to university, it captures the raw emotions of youth, insecurity, and connection. The characters are relatable, and the story lingers long after you've finished. A truly moving read.