Again, Sally Rooney produces deeply intelligent, emotionally rich, and highly perceptive novels. Her new book Intermezzo (September 24, 2024) is a virtuoso exploration of grief, family relationships, love, and human misery. These particular aspects are further enhanced by Rooney’s ability to depict human sentiment in intricate nuance, along with her distinctive narrative voice, making it a tonic for both old fans and newcomers alike.
In this review, I’ll explore the key themes, Rooney’s writing style, and character development in Intermezzo, along with my personal thoughts and reflections.
Chapter Summaries & Key Themes
In Intermezzo, two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, live out the aftermath of their father’s death. Peter, a 32-year-old lawyer in Dublin, is unable to sleep and finds it difficult to maintain a balance between his relationships with two women. On the other hand, Ivan, a 22-year-old competitive chess player, is a social misfit who finds solace in his growing relationship with Margaret, an older woman.
Rooney reveals how grief and familial disconnection manifest differently for each brother. This is not merely a story about romantic entanglements; rather, Rooney demonstrates how family backgrounds and insecurities shape individuals. Peter, in his rational search for solace, contrasts with Ivan’s more youthful, emotionally grounded approach.
Throughout the book, Rooney explores universal themes such as love, time, and relationships, but what stands out most is the hidden vulnerability—those raw emotions that humans communicate to bring peace back into their hearts.
Signature Style of Rooney: A Love-It-Or-Hate-It Approach
Sally Rooney’s writing style is as polarizing as it is distinct. One of the first things readers might notice is her decision to omit quotation marks in dialogue. This stylistic choice can initially challenge readers unfamiliar with her work, as it requires close attention to the rhythm of conversations and internal monologues. However, once acclimated, readers find that this unconventional approach enhances the narrative flow.
As one reviewer put it, “Rooney has an amazing ability to let us physically experience [the characters], even as they go through the ups and downs of drama while being only half-aware of their emotions.” It is Rooney’s acute emotional insight that draws readers into Intermezzo‘s addictive storyline. Despite the lack of traditional grammatical markers, Rooney’s prose flows beautifully, capturing the essence of her characters’ emotional states with remarkable precision.
Her writing is often described as “grown-up but innocent, complicated yet friendly, serious but still funny.” These contradictions make Rooney’s fiction so irresistible; she understands the confusion of life and doesn’t shy away from exploring it with her distinct honesty.
Complex Characters That Stay with You
One of the greatest strengths of Intermezzo is its complex character portrayal. Peter and Ivan are two very different protagonists, but both are equally fascinating. Initially, Peter’s emotional detachment and his complicated relationships may make him hard to like. However, as the story progresses, Rooney peels back the layers of his character to reveal a man struggling with loss, love, and identity. By the end of the novel, Peter’s emotional growth makes him a character you can’t help but empathize with.
Ivan, on the other hand, is more relatable to readers due to his introversion and social awkwardness. His relationship with Margaret feels genuine, with moments of tenderness that are touching and heartfelt. Ivan’s personal growth, especially about his brother, adds a layer of warmth and relatability to the novel.
What sets Intermezzo apart is how Rooney portrays the brothers’ struggle to communicate. Their inability to express their emotions, compounded by years of bottled-up trauma, makes their journey all the more poignant. Peter’s grief manifests through his relationships and career, while Ivan finds solace in chess and introversion. This contrast keeps the tension alive throughout the novel.
A Masterpiece of Emotional Complexity on Intermezzo
In many ways, Intermezzo extends Sally Rooney’s exploration of the messy, complicated nature of human relationships. As one reader aptly put it, “Rooney doesn’t disappoint as she explores the messiness of life and family.” While some sections of the novel may feel a bit over-stylized or too long, these are minor issues when compared to the emotional depth and complexity of the story.
Rooney’s portrayal of themes like grief, love, and familial bonds is thought-provoking and deeply moving. She has the unique ability to make readers feel more intelligent without being condescending. Writing about intellectually sharp characters while maintaining accessibility requires great skill, and Rooney certainly possesses it. As one reader remarked, “Rooney possesses a rare skill in writing about intellectually acute people who do not alienate their audience. She speaks to you at a level slightly above your own, making you feel both understood and engaged.”
Final Thoughts on Intermezzo
Intermezzo is a novel that will linger in your mind long after the last page. While it may not be for everyone—particularly those who find Rooney’s writing style difficult to adjust to—readers who appreciate emotionally rich and complex narratives will consider this book one of her finest yet.
Having read all of Rooney’s previous novels, I feel Intermezzo is a work of great emotional depth and vulnerability. It’s a novel that makes you reflect on your own relationships, grief, and love. If you enjoyed Rooney’s earlier books, you’ll love Intermezzo. And if you’re new to her work, this novel is a perfect introduction to her emotionally charged and thought-provoking style.
FAQ
Q: Is Intermezzo similar to Sally Rooney’s previous books like Normal People or Conversations with Friends?
A: While Intermezzo shares some thematic similarities with Rooney’s earlier works, such as its focus on relationships and emotional complexity, it also stands out for its unique exploration of family dynamics and grief. The characters are more mature, and the narrative focuses deeply on familial bonds.
Q: Is it distracting to have no quotation marks in Rooney’s text?
A: For some readers, the lack of quotation marks can be initially off-putting. However, many find they quickly adjust to Rooney’s prose and appreciate the fluidity it brings to the dialogue. This stylistic choice has become one of Rooney’s trademarks and something fans have come to expect.
Q: Who would enjoy reading Intermezzo?
A: Intermezzo will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally driven, character-focused stories. Fans of Sally Rooney will find much to love, and those who appreciate novels about the intricacies of human relationships, grief, and vulnerability will find Intermezzo deeply rewarding.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney is available now. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged and thought-provoking novel, this book is a must-read.
