Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Normal People

   

   "Normal People" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between two high school students from different social classes in a small town in Ireland. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a strong bond that continues into their university years at Trinity College. The narrative follows their journey, filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and emotional intimacy, as they navigate their way through love, friendship, mental health issues, and the struggles of growing up.

   The 1307th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Intermezzo

   

   Peter and Ivan Koubek are brothers navigating their lives after the loss of their father. Peter, a successful lawyer in Dublin, finds himself caught between his first love, Sylvia, and Naomi, a carefree college student. Meanwhile, Ivan, a socially awkward chess player, forms a deep connection with Margaret, an older woman with her own complex past. As they each grapple with grief, their relationships evolve, offering a glimpse into the potential for change and self-discovery during a time of emotional upheaval.

   The 8046th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Conversations With Friends

   

   The novel explores the intricate dynamics of relationships through the lives of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, who become entwined with an older married couple, Melissa and Nick. As Frances navigates her complex feelings for Nick, she grapples with issues of identity, friendship, and the nuances of intimacy. The story delves into themes of love, power, and vulnerability, capturing the emotional turbulence and self-discovery that accompany the transition into adulthood. Through sharp dialogue and introspective narrative, the book examines how personal connections shape and redefine the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

4. 4. Beautiful World, Where Are You

   

   The novel explores the intricate dynamics of friendship, love, and personal fulfillment through the lives of four young adults navigating their relationships and ambitions. Set against the backdrop of contemporary societal challenges, the story delves into the complexities of communication and connection as the characters grapple with their desires and insecurities. Through intimate conversations and introspective reflections, the narrative examines themes of identity, purpose, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.
5. 5. Mr Salary

   

   The story revolves around Sukie, a young woman who returns to Dublin for her father's funeral and stays with Nathan, an older man she has known since childhood. Their relationship is complex, marked by a blend of familial affection and romantic tension. As they navigate their shared history and unspoken feelings, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human connection, capturing the emotional nuances of their interactions and the unfulfilled longing that lingers between them.

6. 6. Two Stories

   

   The book presents two distinct narratives that explore themes of human connection and emotional complexity. In the first story, a young woman navigates the intricacies of a romantic relationship, grappling with her desires and the expectations placed upon her. The second story delves into the life of a man confronting his past and the impact of familial bonds on his present. Both stories are characterized by Rooney's keen insight into the subtleties of interpersonal dynamics and the inner lives of her characters, offering a profound reflection on the nature of love and identity.

7. 7. Normale Menschen

   

   The novel explores the intricate and evolving relationship between two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and identity from high school through their university years. Despite their differing social backgrounds—Connell being popular and well-liked, while Marianne is considered an outsider—they form a deep, albeit tumultuous, connection that profoundly impacts their lives. The story delves into themes of class, communication, and the struggle to understand oneself and others, capturing the nuances of modern relationships with emotional depth and realism.

8. 8. At The Clinic

   

   In this introspective narrative, the story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the subtle intricacies of personal interactions. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane visit to a clinic, the characters navigate through a web of emotions, unspoken tensions, and the silent understanding that often exists between people. Through a series of poignant dialogues and reflective moments, the narrative explores themes of vulnerability, connection, and the unvoiced thoughts that linger beneath the surface of everyday encounters.