Are Conversations With Friends And Normal People Worth Reading?

Sally Rooney's 'Conversations with Friends' and 'Normal People' are two books that really stuck with me, not just because of their sharp writing but because of how deeply they explore human relationships. 'Conversations with Friends' follows Frances, a sharp-witted but emotionally reserved college student, as she navigates a messy affair with an older married man. What I love about this book is how Rooney captures the awkwardness and intensity of early adulthood—Frances’ internal monologue feels so real, especially when she’s trying to seem aloof but is actually falling apart inside. The dynamics between her and her best friend Bobbi are equally fascinating, full of unspoken tensions and quiet power struggles. It’s not a flashy story, but it digs into the nuances of love, friendship, and self-sabotage in a way that’s hard to shake.

'Normal People,' on the other hand, hit me even harder. Connell and Marianne’s on-and-off relationship over the years is heartbreakingly relatable. Rooney has this uncanny ability to make the smallest moments—a missed text, a glance across a room—feel monumental. The way she writes about class differences, mental health, and the push-pull of intimacy is so raw and honest. I found myself rereading passages just to soak in the emotional weight of them. Both books are slow burns, but that’s part of their charm—they’re not about big plot twists but about the quiet, often painful growth of their characters. If you’re into character-driven stories that linger long after you finish them, these are absolutely worth your time.

What stands out to me most is how Rooney’s writing feels like a mirror. Her characters aren’t always likable, but they’re undeniably human, making mistakes and fumbling through life just like the rest of us. 'Normal People' especially made me reflect on my own relationships and the ways we misunderstand each other. The TV adaptations are great, but the books offer a deeper dive into the characters’ heads, which is where Rooney’s brilliance really shines. They’re not uplifting reads, but they’re the kind of stories that make you feel less alone in your own messiness. I still think about Connell and Marianne’s ending sometimes—it’s that haunting.