In Episode 99 of the Good Scribes Only Podcast, hosts Daniel Breyer and Jeremy Streich tackle Sally Rooney’s Normal People, the acclaimed 2018 novel that took the literary world by storm. With its raw, introspective take on relationships, class, and miscommunication, the book resonated deeply with readers—though not without sparking debate.
Through humor, sharp analysis, and the occasional Irish accent, Daniel and Jeremy break down Normal People’s central themes, its realistic yet frustrating characters, and why Rooney’s storytelling style has left such a lasting impact.
The novel follows Marianne and Connell, two brilliant but emotionally complicated students from the same small Irish town.
The novel charts their relationship from high school through university, where their dynamic shifts—Connell’s social standing diminishes in college, while Marianne flourishes. Despite their intellectual and emotional compatibility, their inability to communicate keeps them apart.
Much of the novel’s tension stems from Connell and Marianne’s failure to say what they truly feel. A pivotal moment occurs when Connell, struggling financially, contemplates asking Marianne if he can move in with her—but he never does. The result? A needless breakup that could have been avoided with a single sentence.
Jeremy sums it up:
“For two of the smartest characters in fiction, they sure are terrible at talking to each other.”
This repeated pattern—assuming instead of asking, misinterpreting intentions, letting pride get in the way—forms the crux of their relationship struggles.
The novel doesn’t just explore romance; it also highlights the unspoken impact of social class. Connell’s mother works as a housekeeper for Marianne’s family, creating a subtle but ever-present tension in their dynamic.
Daniel reflects on Rooney’s depiction of class:
“It’s not just about money—it’s about belonging. Marianne never has to think about financial security, while Connell is always aware of it.”
Even as their roles shift—Marianne becoming socially powerful at university and Connell feeling out of place—their class backgrounds continue to shape their self-perception and relationship.
The novel also delves into power imbalances, particularly in Marianne’s relationships. While Connell, despite his insecurities, never mistreats her, other men in her life take advantage of her submissiveness. Characters like Jamie and Lukas reinforce Marianne’s unhealthy belief that she doesn’t deserve love without suffering.
Jeremy comments on this recurring theme:
“Marianne seeks out relationships where she relinquishes control, while Connell struggles to assert himself. It’s fascinating to see how their past traumas shape them.”
Connell’s power over Marianne is different—subtle, unintentional, but undeniably present. Despite her intellect and independence, she defers to him in ways she doesn’t with others.
Sally Rooney’s prose is spare, direct, and emotionally charged. Her decision to omit quotation marks for dialogue mirrors the fluid, sometimes fragmented way people think and speak. While this stylistic choice makes for a unique reading experience, it also reinforces the novel’s central theme: communication isn’t always clear-cut.
Daniel likens Rooney’s style to another literary giant:
“It’s almost like Hemingway meets millennial angst—simple on the surface, but deeply layered.”
Jeremy adds:
“She has a way of making internal monologues feel like conversations you’ve had with yourself before.”
Beyond its love story, Normal People captures something universal—the difficulty of truly understanding another person. Whether it’s pride, class, past trauma, or fear of vulnerability, the novel illustrates the many ways we sabotage our own happiness.
Jeremy concludes:
“This book isn’t just about romance. It’s about how people struggle to express themselves and how that struggle can define their lives.”
For more insights and lively discussion on Normal People, tune in to Episode 99 of the Good Scribes Only Podcast.
