In the school setting, Connell and Marianne play the role of strangers, keeping their connection hidden. Connell, a popular and well-adjusted soccer star, contrasts sharply with Marianne, who is lonely, proud, and fiercely private. However, when Connell visits Marianne’s house to pick up his mother from her housekeeping job, an unusual and unforgettable bond begins to form between the two teenagers.
A year later, they both find themselves studying at Trinity College in Dublin. Marianne seamlessly adapts to a new social environment, while Connell remains reserved and uncertain, observing from the sidelines. Throughout their college years, they drift towards other people and explore different possibilities, yet they remain irresistibly drawn back to each other, as if by an unseen force. However, as Marianne heads down a path of self-destruction and Connell seeks meaning elsewhere, they must confront the depths of their devotion and how far they are willing to go to save each other.
In this compelling narrative, Sally Rooney exhibits her exceptional psychological insight and masterful prose, weaving a tale that delves into the nuances of class dynamics, the intoxication of first love, and the intricate complexities of family and friendship.
