Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

The assertive honesty of Sally Rooney’s characters is understandably divisive amongst readers because the characters in Beautiful World, Where Are You are about as likable as your own university friends. That is to say they’re completely ordinary people who make questionable dating decisions, are self-interested, and at times intolerable—but some reason or another connect with you like no one else.

What BWWAY does well is depict millennial anxieties—about global consumption, identity politics, and sexual relationships—and balances those with an existential love and optimism. The plot is gentle, but Sally Rooney’s observations of society manifest forcefully through her characters. I was challenged to consider my own relationships in a new light, and as trite as it might sound, I finished the book feeling more hopeful about humanity.

None of Sally Rooney’s characters were incredibly easy to sympathize with. This is a common critique of her other novels, as well. The main cast of BWWAY were all flawed in their own ways and it was frustrating to watch them struggle to communicate with each other. However, I think this is a real strength in Rooney’s writing, not a defect, though I understand why other readers would be put off by “unlikeable” characters. Personally I felt attached to all of the main characters, regardless of their many shortcomings.

My main critique is that because one of the characters is an author who talks critically of the publishing world, the character feels at time too much like Sally Rooney is inserting herself into the narrative. You might be thinking, “well duh.” Of course as an author, Sally Rooney has developed her own opinions on the publishing industry and authors as “celebrities,” and obviously the other characters’ opinions serve to some extent Sally Rooney’s own commentary. This isn’t a significant criticism of the book or character, I just personally felt uncomfortable being made aware that I was ✨reading a book✨ and not having a glass of wine with my four friends and denouncing capitalism around the dinner table.

I would recommend BWWAY for readers who enjoy reflective character-driven novels, that dynamically center human relationships with a down-to-earth idealism. Of course, if you are a fan of Normal People or Conversations With Friends, this one is also worth checking out.

Writing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Plot ⭐⭐

Themes ⭐⭐⭐⭐

P.S.: THIS QUOTE right here triggered a full on life crisis and I still think about it all the time:

“But the problem is that you seem to be drawn to people who aren’t very good at giving you those responses. …If you tell me you don’t want to be with me, I might feel very hurt and humiliated, but I’m not going to start begging and pleading with you. At some level, I actually think you know I won’t. But then you get left with the impression that I don’t love you, or I don’t want you, because you’re not getting this response from me—this response that you basically know you won’t get, because I’m not the type of person who can give it to you.”