Unassailable, at least in my bookclub.

Normal People is a story of two people who are both damaged and affected by their life experiences in such unique ways that only the other can understand. It is a modern love story filled with heartbreak, the challenges of life, and character growth. We see Marianne and Connell fall in love and leave each other repeatedly, and the way they continually come back to one another. It is a story with so many layers and beautiful writing that shows how young love can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life.

I found this book disappointing and uncomfortable to read. It started out with great promise, but really seemed to bog down once the protagonists went to college. I suppose it is realistic in a gritty, icky way; but it certainly is not what I would call entertainment nor uplifting. Many times I wanted to stop reading. I really cannot recommend it. I also agree w a previous comment--would have preferred quotation marks.

I personally had a very difficult time with not having any quotation marks- I know its a style and a choice of the author but for me it took awhile to get used to. Additionally, I was not fond of either of the main characters- to me they did not have redeeming qualities.

I liked that the relationship felt real and raw, which is hard to come by- however, I just did not care about either character to be invested or enjoy the story that was told.

I found this book very modern and relatable, I was not surprised to see the author is my age.
Sometimes I hated the way the characters were acting and yet I could see myself acting the same way and making the same decisions, saying similar things.

This is by no means a 'fun' 'light' love story, and I appreciate that it delves into the insecurities, blurriness of current relationships. Both characters have their own mental health issues and we see how that comes into play throughout their relationship and friendship.

I would recommend if you want a deep, though provoking love story, but not the warm and fuzzies.

There are so many layers to this story and the relationship it portrays. The magnetism between the two characters in palpable, and it is fascinating how they orbit in and out of each other's lives. Connell and Marianne are soulmates, but both are so damaged and have so much self-loathing that neither of them can really see it, even as they act on it. To say their relationship is complicated is a vast understatement because there is so much nuance to their every interaction. They show each other parts of themselves that they show no one else, while at the same time shutting each other out from the aspects of themselves that they freely give other people. At the end, I was left with the sense that despite their tumultuous history, they will always find their way back to each other. I found this satisfying in a way, even as it left me feeling slightly bereft.

I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about this novel. As readers, we are privy to the inner lives of those experiencing the tumult of young love and finding one’s place in the world—specifically the world of the 21st century. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, it was a beautiful description of what the process of healing looks like—albeit a rough process at times. I can’t recommend this book any more highly. Take some time and dive into the complex worlds of Connell and Marianne.

100% fell in love with this book. As a young person I think this book is so relatable because we've all been in this weird position of miscommunication in a relationship. Read this book during lockdown and can totally relate. Lots of high and downs reading about Colin and Marrianne and their complicated relationship. I laughed and cried with this book. I hate the ending but I would re-read it because its so good. Please write a second part!!

A beautifully written & poetic Story of first Love and all the angst, tumult, and ultimate transformation that entails. Sally's ability to delve into the depths of emotions without getting waylaid by them is reminiscent for me of the early chapters of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. This is masterful Storytelling from a gifted Author.

I think you need to fix the ability to download it to my Kindle before you start working on appearances. It also keeps failing to download. Also, I am fed up of having to guess which ebook I want from a list of 10+ options, only to find I guessed wrong and it is the epub version, not the Kindle version. Ridiculous.