Thanks for all these insights into Intermezzo (and the other novels). Especially, I like the points about confusion, and macro and micro grief. I was thinking myself that instead of those "dramatic last words at his bedside or bawling at the sight of the coffin at the funeral" scenes, starting the novel after the funeral gave us a portrait of how life carries on for the bereaved, and we have to continue to deal with grief alongside everything else life throws at us, and how that can be overwhelming, sometimes.
I have never read her and not sure what is stopping me. Should I not go down that rabbit hole? I didnt like the first few episodes of Normal People so I never picked up a book. Felt so maudlin. I love Elena Ferrante though which I think of in the same breath for some reason.
Sally Rooney is definitely not for everyone. The show is very similar to the book in tone and content. I loved it nearly as much as the book, which may be a sign you won't like it. I LOVE Elena Ferrante, but I would say she's quite a different writer. More elegant and detailed. Maybe give Conversations with Friends ago... and if you don't like it, at least you will no longer wonder!
I know what you mean about the universe intervening....I always read things years after the buzz wanes. Probably because I care very little for "book buzz."
Yeah, I feel reading a book just because it's trendy is disingenuous to yourself. It reminds me of the Alain de Botton quote: “Most of what makes a book 'good' is that we are reading it at the right moment for us.” Thanks for reading!
Another Sally quote for you, a heart-gut sucker punch:
She credits her husband, John, with making her writing possible, and not just by bringing her cups of tea and emptying the bins. “Having had this experience of falling in love when I was very young, with somebody who completely transformed my life, and transforms it every day, has allowed me to write stories about people whose lives are transformed by love,” she says. “Without that, I don’t think my work would be recognisable. Just his presence in my life made it possible for me to write everything that I’ve written.”
Thanks for all these insights into Intermezzo (and the other novels). Especially, I like the points about confusion, and macro and micro grief. I was thinking myself that instead of those "dramatic last words at his bedside or bawling at the sight of the coffin at the funeral" scenes, starting the novel after the funeral gave us a portrait of how life carries on for the bereaved, and we have to continue to deal with grief alongside everything else life throws at us, and how that can be overwhelming, sometimes.
(If you're interested, I also wrote a post on Intermezzo: https://storyenergies.substack.com/p/lovepain-attraction-and-repulsion)
YES! So true. The grief is ever-present through everything Peter and Ivan experience after. I will read your take!
I have never read her and not sure what is stopping me. Should I not go down that rabbit hole? I didnt like the first few episodes of Normal People so I never picked up a book. Felt so maudlin. I love Elena Ferrante though which I think of in the same breath for some reason.
Sally Rooney is definitely not for everyone. The show is very similar to the book in tone and content. I loved it nearly as much as the book, which may be a sign you won't like it. I LOVE Elena Ferrante, but I would say she's quite a different writer. More elegant and detailed. Maybe give Conversations with Friends ago... and if you don't like it, at least you will no longer wonder!
Oh I struggle with these books so much because all of the characters are unlikeable and I can’t connect (or root) for them… different kind of pain 😅
I totally get that! They're insufferable. I often begin a Rooney novel annoyed, then get sucked in.
I know what you mean about the universe intervening....I always read things years after the buzz wanes. Probably because I care very little for "book buzz."
Great read. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I feel reading a book just because it's trendy is disingenuous to yourself. It reminds me of the Alain de Botton quote: “Most of what makes a book 'good' is that we are reading it at the right moment for us.” Thanks for reading!
Another Sally quote for you, a heart-gut sucker punch:
She credits her husband, John, with making her writing possible, and not just by bringing her cups of tea and emptying the bins. “Having had this experience of falling in love when I was very young, with somebody who completely transformed my life, and transforms it every day, has allowed me to write stories about people whose lives are transformed by love,” she says. “Without that, I don’t think my work would be recognisable. Just his presence in my life made it possible for me to write everything that I’ve written.”
Stop! I can't take it. I just can't. This is too much.