If there is anything better than watching the Hulu original series Normal People its definitely reading the novel the show was based on by Sally Rooney. And if you haven’t watched or read Normal People you should probably go do that immediately and here’s why.
Normal people is a modern-day story starting in a smalltown in Ireland following both Marianne and Connell throughout the end of high school into the end of college. Not only is Marianne and Connell’s relationship throughout the series absolutely phenomenal and heartbreaking to watch but the characters that Rooney creates within her story are so vivid and real you can’t help but become attached to the show. Within the story you see both Marianne and Connell come together and apart both growing up into new people but consistently coming back to each other like a magnetic pull.
When it comes to show and book comparisons the book is notorious for coming out on top, so many more details and room to create your own world on your own. But when it comes to Normal People both the book and the show are simultaneously perfectly. Not only does the show follow the book almost seamlessly it doesnt hurt that the soundtrack is absolutely immaculate. My personal favorites being One Bruns cover of Make You Feel My Love and Dandelion by Jealous of the Birds which is playing during a bike ride in Northern Italy scene, I dont think it gets better than that.
Marianne and Connell’s story is full of a lot of breakups and miscommunications that make you want to rip your hair out but when they come back together there is nothing better to watch.
Another really stellar aspect of the story is the telling of the natural experiences within young relationships that at times can be very confusing and intense. One of the most stand out things within the writing is the emphasis on consent within there relationship. In a lot of mainstream media, we dont see this kind of discussed consent before intimate scenes and it’s important for people to see these kinds of things in their media because consent is essential in all forms of relationships.
Rooney also adds a lot of social commentary into her story through her character’s political beliefs. In only the second chapter and episode Connell mentions to Marianne how she would enjoy “The Communist Manifesto” and they both share what they learn with each other about the world around them. Issues on gender, class, politics, mental illness, abuse, and so much more are all discussed and represented honestly through these two characters.
The overall character arcs and authenticity of both Marianne and Connell are what makes this story so wonderful and intimate to watch and read. Especially as a college student who is living the same exact experiences as the characters. This story between two seemingly normal people contains so much depth and personality. Showing how much you grow in your twenties, the friends you meet, friends you lose, and the people who sometimes stay with you no matter what. Normal People is a modern love story that is also a genuine dive into the most intimate parts of the human experience and shows the ways in which people can really truly change each other.