Normal People by Sally Rooney is a love story set in Ireland. Two young people meet in high school, Marianne, a wealthy somewhat outcast girl and Connell, the son of their maid, who is poor but good looking and popular. They form an unlikely bond, yet Connell is too embarrassed to tell anyone about it.

Later in college, the tables are turned, when Marianne is popular and surrounded by friends and Connell is shy and feels out of place, yet they are drawn to each other again and again.

Rooney explores first love with wit and unflinching honesty, as well as identity, family and class dynamics. I found this novel in turns sad, tender, funny, emotional, but throughout it all, it was Rooney’s masterful writing that set it apart. A great read by a great new young writer.