Didn't think much of Normal People

[Susanna85]

I keep seeing love for Normal People online.
I read it and then watched the BBC series.
Perhaps I was expecting more, given the show's apparent popularity.

I thought it was alright as a book but completely forgettable afterwards. And the TV episodes were not captivating, I began scrolling through my phone etc. Why is everyone loving it so much!? Or is it just clever advertisement

Marianne is too beautiful, it didn't make sense that she would be shunned at school and Connell would be ashamed to be seen with her.

Her physical symmetry is not a factor in this. She doesn't obey the small town rules on conformity: she doesn't wear makeup, she doesn't shave her legs, she wears ugly shoes, she doesn't appear to care what other people think and people therefore think she thinks she's better than them because she lives in the big house. Connell's sporting abilities means he is popular, but that feels very nebulous to him and he is terrified he will lose that popularity by being associating with Marianne.

I thought it was wonderful, the two leads were fantastic and as another PP has mentioned above, the actress playing Connell's mum was incredible.

YY Lorraine is brilliant, her disgust at him not asking Marianne to the Debs was great.

All the angst and wallowing put me in mind of Dawson's Creek. I liked it though

Good depiction of one outcome of childhood abuse, ie unconsciously trying to recreate the feeling of worthlessness and humiliation in relationships. She didn't need the BDSM with Connell as he hurt and humiliated her just by denying her to his friends. And Connell's horror and shame as he realises this later when he thought he was being a nice guy. All interesting and unusual themes.

CountFosco I now understand that is how the book represents Marianne, but I watched the programme without any background knowledge of the characters and it didn't make sense to me.

I didn't like the book, why can't they just talk to each other 🤷‍♀️ they seemed immature and incompatible. I wasn't a fan at all so much so I've not bothered with the series.

Previous posters complaining the characters aren't "likeable" seems so strange. What do you mean? They didn't tell enough jokes or they didn't do enough errands for other people? They are complex and I think the viewer is able to understand that. They aren't meant to be Disney heroes.

I dont know how Connell was supposed to be such a great writer when he struggled to communicate. I did love it though. Brought back a lot of feelings.

@bebbanburger

I guess that's the irony. There is something inhibiting him (internalised societal expectations) from expressing in person what is within him.

His emails which were read by Marianne on show were quite mundane though.

I think it's that they seem so dull and joyless. As a viewer you are left puzzled by their actions as they don't articulate their feelings and they both seen to have quite blank expressions. It's like two people wandering around in misery and silence. It gets boring very quickly and annoying to watch.

Saw the hype , tried to watch it on iPlayer but switched over to Jay Blades. Too pedestrian for me.

@PrimeroseHillAnnie

Saw the hype , tried to watch it on iPlayer but switched over to Jay Blades. Too pedestrian for me.

Bit like comparing apples and oranges, that.

David Nicholl's books are full of warmth and humour which was sorely lacking in Normal People! I've just reread Starter for Ten, his 'awkward university experience' novel, and it's bloody hilarious as well as moving.

...which were sorely lacking....

@dayswithaY

But isn't that how some people are in real life. Unclear ambivalent feelings about things, anxiety about saying how they really feel. Viewers have to infer things about their psyche, and that's interesting imo.

I really enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s for everyone though.

I do think they are very frustrating characters. 18 year old me would have been 'FFS Connell what's going on, make your bloody mind up'.
And I still don't really understand why he didn't ask her to the Debs. He could have just not gone either instead of asking whatsername. He and Marianne could have had a night in.
But that wouldn't make for a good story.

I didn’t identify with either character and this is why I enjoyed the book. My teen/ early 20s was very different, especially growing up in a different country.

I like to be a voyeur into a different life. Early years of parental violence, ongoing family violence/emotional abuse. How does this effect romantic relationships. Even abusive friendships (Peggy).

I haven’t seen the tv series but enjoyed the book

How was Peggy abusive? I never quite picked up on this.

I didn't think Peggy was abusive. Asking for a threesome was a bit much mind. I don't think she was much help in Italy when all the drama was going on, she seemed to enjoy it.
Joanna was a better friend.

Yanbu. The sex scenes were beyond tedious and the characters motivations were a mystery to me.

Urgh I found it awful, couldn't finish the series

I don't know why but every character in it was just completely unlikeable imo

The friendship with Peggy in the book was not healthy. Have you read the book?

Not read the book, I might. I wasnt saying I disagree with you, just that is wasn't something I picked up on and wanted to understand what I missed.

I haven’t seen the tv series, so not sure how Peggy was portrayed