Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo: A Deep Dive into Grief and Human Connection

Sally Rooney, dubbed “the first great millennial novelist,” has captivated readers with her masterful portrayals of flawed characters and intricate relationships. Best known for Normal People, Rooney has now taken a slightly different approach with Intermezzo, a novel that highlights the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and self-reflection, offering a refreshing departure from her previous works.

Early Exposure to the Arts

Born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, Sally Rooney grew up surrounded by art and culture. Her mother was the director of a community arts center, and Rooney often attended theatre and visual art exhibitions with her siblings. This early immersion in creative environments has undoubtedly influenced her writing, as her novels delve into the nuances of human connection and societal structures.

Conversations with Friends and Normal People

Rooney’s first novel, Conversations with Friends (2017), explores complex interpersonal relationships and political identities. However, her second novel, Normal People (2018), truly catapulted her into global fame. The novel tracks the intense and evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers who struggle with class divisions, intimacy, and self-worth.

Through Connell, the popular but reserved boy from a working-class family, and Marianne, the wealthy but socially isolated girl, Rooney examines how class disparities shape personal relationships. Their connection oscillates between friendship and romance, yet they always seem to find their way back to each other, even when external pressures threaten to pull them apart. The book not only resonates due to its relatable themes of miscommunication, desire, and vulnerability, but also because it captures the intricacies of power dynamics, privilege, and emotional complexity.

Intermezzo: A Shift in Focus

While Normal People was deeply rooted in romance, Intermezzo shifts its focus to family dynamics and grief, exploring the bond between two brothers, Ivan and Peter. At its core, the novel is about family, loss, and introspection. Ivan, a 22-year-old chess champion, begins a relationship with 36-year-old Margaret while grieving the loss of his father. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Peter, a lawyer, juggles two relationships, one with a 23-year-old college student and the other with his ex-girlfriend and longtime love. Through the contrasting lives of the brothers, Rooney delves into themes of regret, morality, and the way grief forces us to confront our past choices.

Character Intimacy: Rooney’s Strength

In Intermezzo, Rooney’s signature strength lies in creating deeply relatable and emotionally complex characters. The close third-person narrative immerses readers in the minds of Ivan and Peter, giving us an intimate view of their thoughts and struggles. Ivan’s chapters are anxious and introspective, reflecting his overanalytical nature, while Peter’s chapters are more detached and matter-of-fact, mirroring his stark, rational worldview.

Rooney’s writing excels at revealing universal truths through her characters’ internal conflicts. Both Ivan and Peter grapple with a desire to prove their inherent goodness, while wrestling with their past actions. This internal moral struggle drives the tension between the brothers as they blame each other for their personal failures. Rooney captures this dynamic with a precision that leaves a lasting emotional impact on the reader.

A Novel That Demands Reflection

Intermezzo is not a fast-paced read, nor is it meant to be. The novel unfolds slowly, inviting readers to reflect alongside the characters. The prose is beautifully crafted, and while it requires a particular mindset—one that is willing to embrace discomfort and introspection—it rewards those who are ready to dive into the emotional depths of Ivan and Peter’s journey.

For fans of Sally Rooney, Intermezzo presents a captivating exploration of family, loss, and self-reflection, offering a unique departure from her earlier works. Though less focused on romantic entanglements, the emotional resonance of the novel lies in its exploration of human frailty, making it a rewarding read for those who appreciate slow-burning, introspective fiction. Prepare for a deeply immersive experience—and perhaps even a tear or two.