Sally Rooney’s latest novel, “Intermezzo,” has been making waves in the literary world, with critics hailing it as “utterly perfect.” The Irish author, known for her previous works like “Normal People,” has taken a different approach in her fourth book, focusing on the relationship between two grieving brothers in age-gap relationships.
The novel follows Ivan, a 22-year-old competitive chess player, and his older brother Peter, a smooth-talking barrister. Critics have praised Rooney for her rich treatment of messy romantic entanglements and the derangements of grief in “Intermezzo.”
Despite the central themes of intimacy, communication, and desire in all of Rooney’s novels, critics have noted that “Intermezzo” stands out as more confident and mature than her previous works. The Independent’s Jo Hamya gave the book a five-star review, calling it Rooney’s best yet and praising her for discovering the full potential of her prowess.
However, not all critics were completely enamored with “Intermezzo.” Some pointed out that certain female characters, like Naomi, were not as well fleshed out as others. Despite this criticism, many agreed that Rooney’s writing in “Intermezzo” is more impressionistic and goes beyond her usual spare style.
In an interview with the New York Times, Rooney expressed that she doesn’t feel pressured to conform to a certain style or narrative in her writing. She focuses on making each book the best version it can be, without worrying about comparisons to her previous work.
With two of Rooney’s novels already adapted for TV, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if “Intermezzo” will also make its way to the screen. Overall, the reception to Rooney’s latest novel has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her for pushing boundaries and exploring new territory in her storytelling.
