NORMAL PEOPLE (AN HONEST BOOK REVIEW)

There are varying opinions regarding Normal People. In my experience, majority of readers love it. Read on to find out if this Booktok favourite is really worth your time.

Synopsis

Marianne and Connell go to the same school. Connell is popular whereas Marianne is often alone and seen as odd. Connell starts to develop an attraction towards Marianne, but he is worried about his reputation if anyone were to find out.

Thoughts

This book is written in a very different writing style. There are no quotation marks. Still, I liked the writing style. The book was written in a deep and thought-provoking way.

This story didn't have a plot. It was more about the characters development. However, I didn't think the characters developed much or changed throughout the book.

I thought of DNF-ing this book at the 30% mark because of the lack of plot. But I'm glad I didn't because this book did impact me as I could relate to the events of this book.

If you're someone who has experienced a secret relationship, friends with benefits, a partner who was unwilling to commit, heartbreak in relationships, social anxiety, depression, abusive sibling and parent relationships and intrusive thoughts, you should read Normal People! This book will resonate with you and touch those wounds.

I would say, people under 14 or 15 should probably not read this book.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

I'm very against the idea of 'friends with benefits' which is just another way of saying being sexually and emotionally used. Therefore, You can already imagine how much I dislike when this appears in books as a 'normal' part of life. Because its really not normal or okay to use people to fulfil your desires and call it 'love'. Its honestly damaging to have this type of concept in books, especially for the youth who will read this and start to believe such relationships are normal and okay to be part of!

Again, Marianne is a girl who continuously allowed herself to be used despite the hurt Connell caused her. She allowed him into her life over and over again and for pretty much the same reason. Their relationship was only based on one thing yet it was made to look like they really loved each other and were soulmates? It was very baffling to read. It literally teaches people to allow disrespectful and toxic behaviour over and over by people because they might be your 'soulmate'! This is again a damaging and delusional concept.

The relationship aspect of this book was unrealistic for me and I hope others lives aren't like this either.

Other than that, the abusive relationship between parents and siblings was very well done. It showed a realistic representation of the impact abuse has on us.

2.5 stars

Now I'd like to hear from you!

Do you agree with my thoughts on this book? If not, what are your thoughts?

Leave a comment and lets discuss!