Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney

As I look back on this strange year, in addition to being grateful for my family, friends and hospice job, there is one thing that stands out as a shining light in this disappointing year: “Normal People,” both the book and the Hulu series. I have neither read nor watched anything as magical as “Normal People” in a very long time. So, it was with much anticipation that I ended this year by reading Rooney’s book “Conversations with Friends.” Her debut novel, this story also take place in Dublin and involves two friends who met in high school. This time it is not Marianne and Connell, but rather two women named Frances and Bobbi. After graduating from high school they go on to Trinity College together, and soon became lovers. They also write and perform spoken word poetry. One night at a performance, they meet an arty married couple named Melissa, a photographer, and Nick, an actor. When the married couple invites the two girls back to their house for a night cap, the dynamics begin to change. Initially Melissa and Bobbi are attracted to each other, but over the next few weeks it is Frances and Nick who begin an affair. Attraction and infidelity in the hands of Rooney often take such unexpected twists and turns. On the night they first have sex Frances says to Nick, “We can sleep together if you want, but you should know I’m only doing it ironically.” Like “Normal People,” the characters in this book are blessed by love but also tortured by it, which makes the story so beautiful and poignant. According to Google, Rooney is only 29 years old. So, the good news for the new year is that we have more Sally Rooney books to look forward, too. Here’s to a beautiful and bright new year ahead! To purchase this book on Amazon click here.