Books
by Sally Rooney
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Intermezzo |
There was a lot of hype when this book came out last autumn. Justified? I'm not sure. Peter and Ivan are brothers over ten years apart, both entangled in complicated relationships with women. Set in Dublin, it begins at their father's funeral. Throughout the story there are intense emotions - grief, sibling rivalry and love. I think the book unnecessarily long and Rooney's lack of speech marks during dialogue can be irritating. The title is clever - Ivan is a competitive chess player and intermezzo (apparently) is a chess move!
(Mary Standing - bwl 116 Spring 2025) |
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Normal People |
A contemporary novel with the timeless theme of two young people falling in love. We follow them from teenagers in a small Irish town, to students at Dublin University. The agony and ecstasy, insecurities and awkwardness as their fascination develops and their very different personalities emerge. At times heartbreaking it is honest and believable. I was left wanting to know how their future lives will unfold, yet somehow knowing that they will always be shaped by the impact of their tender relationship. A young novelist to watch!
(Mary Standing - bwl 91 Winter 2019) |
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