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Cover of Normal People

Literary · Romance

Normal People

by Sally Rooney

3.7 out of 5, from 1,855 ratings from Hardcover readers

In a small Irish town, Marianne and Connell secretly connect despite being on opposite ends of the school pecking order. We follow them through university and the years after, as they drift together and apart.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2018
Pace
Slow
Length
Short
Pages
273
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like a precise, restrained love story about class, communication and being known by someone.

Skip this if you want chatty prose or a tidy romance, since it avoids quotation marks and easy answers.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Abuse
  • Mental illness
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual content
  • Suicide
  • Grief

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Emotional abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual violence
  • Domestic abuse
  • Bullying
  • Sexual assault
  • Toxic relationship
  • Suicidal thoughts

Quick answers about Normal People

What is Normal People about?
In a small Irish town, Marianne and Connell secretly connect despite being on opposite ends of the school pecking order. We follow them through university and the years after, as they drift together and apart.
Who should read Normal People?
Read it if you like a precise, restrained love story about class, communication and being known by someone. Skip it if you want chatty prose or a tidy romance, since it avoids quotation marks and easy answers.
How long and how fast is Normal People?
It is a slow-paced, short read of about 273 pages, first published in 2018.
Does Normal People have content warnings?
Content we flag: Abuse, Mental illness, Domestic violence, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief.
Can I borrow Normal People for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Normal People; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Normal People?
Readers who liked it often move on to Norwegian Wood, Eleanor & Park, The Flatshare.

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