every single character in this has numerous issues and none of them are completely likeable. they’re all pretty terrible in their own ways. but I enjoyed it. I think.
Synopsis:
Frances is twenty-one years old, cool-headed and observant. A student in Dublin and an aspiring writer, at night she performs spoken word with her best friend Bobbi, who used to be her girlfriend. When they are interviewed and then befriended by Melissa, a well-known journalist who is married to Nick, an actor, they enter a world of beautiful houses, raucous dinner parties and holidays in Provence, beginning a complex ménage-à-quatre. But when Frances and Nick get unexpectedly closer, the sharply witty and emotion-averse Frances is forced to honestly confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time.
Review:
I feel like when I finish a Sally Rooney novel, my brain doesn't manage to completely comprehend what I just read and not in a bad way. I loved Normal People, but it also emotionally broke me. This one was similar, but not to the same extent. It follows the 4 characters above, with Frances being at the centre. Each of them has problems, and all of them seem so toxically involved with each other in different ways. None of the relationships are perfect or admirable, and I think this is what makes the story so captivating - the characters seem real, they're not designed to be liked or to meet unexpected expectations and similarly, their lives are nothing spectacular. It's a compelling read, but I did find myself struggling through certain parts. It can be a bit repetitive at times, with a lack of plot development and therefore it can feel a little sluggish, but I enjoyed the concept and do plan to read more of Sally Rooney's work when I can.
Rate - 3.75/5
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