| Book Review | Normal People.
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"At times he has the sensation that he and Marianne are like figure skaters, improvising their discussions so adeptly and in such perfect synchronisation that it surprises them both. She tosses herself gracefully into the air, and each time, without knowing how he's going to do it, he catches her." - Sally Rooney.
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It's hard to explain why you like a book when others can't seem to share the same view. Before reading Normal People, I had no clue what to expect. I dived into it without even reading the blurb but I know now that that was the smartest thing to be done. This novel made me sad, happy and set out a slow throbbing ache in the pit of my stomach. It's raw and completely honest. To love and be loved by someone so severely that they find themselves orbiting towards each other no matter how many years they have been kept apart: this book explains such intense feelings through the lives of Marianne and Connell.
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Connell's mother works as a cleaner at Marianne's mansion but they two remain friends. At school they do not look or talk to each other but back home they share an intimate bond which turns from friendship to love. Marianne comes from a troubled background and this presses upon her quite often. She finds solace in Connell's presence and surprisingly Connell finds himself being completely at ease with Marianne. Considering Marianne's detached and strange reputation at school, Connell stirs clear from her and when school ends, they go separate ways. Few months down the line they meet at college and smoothly settle back into their relationship as if nothing ever happened. But here, Connell notices Marianne being the popular girl while he becomes a loner.
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The story begins sometime in 2011 and ends in 2015. Or does it really end? Throughout their college years, they keep coming back to each other like two magnets that find peace only by being together. While the two slip in and out of other relationships, they keep in touch and grow with time. Through Marianne's troubled past and Connell's depression, they find a middle ground where no one else exists apart from them.
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Their relationship is too complex to be named but they do not feel the need to answer questions that are often thrown at them by friends or relatives. This is a sad book but there are also bits of happiness that lurks out now and then. When Connell kisses her shoulder by the swimming pool or when he wishes her a happy new year by sealing their lips: their happiness shines bright. But amidst all the busy lifestyles and careers, they need to let each other go. But only to come back again after months or years. This book brims with emotions, so much so that you start taking care of the characters like they are your very own. Not many enjoyed this novel and I can see why. It's depressing and dark but for me it screams honesty. It's humane and extremely touching. I recommend it.
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Rating - 5/5