Normal people

Longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize and winner of multiple awards, this novel by Sally Rooney captures the essence of love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a contemporary context. At school, Connell and Marianne maintain a facade of indifference; he is the popular athlete, while she is an isolated and proud individual. Their connection begins when Connell visits Marianne's home to pick up his mother, leading to a secret bond that they both try to hide. A year later, they find themselves at Trinity College in Dublin, where Marianne adapts to her new social environment, while Connell remains shy and uncertain. Throughout their university years, they navigate their relationship, often drifting toward others but inevitably drawn back to one another. As Marianne descends into self-destructive behavior and Connell seeks meaning in his life, both must confront the lengths they are willing to go to support each other. Rooney's sharp psychological insight and concise prose delve into themes of class, the intensity of first love, and the intricate dynamics of family and friendship.