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Sally Rooney is a highly regarded writer of her generation, known for her unique talent and influence in modern literature. Her books feature deep psychological insights, engaging dialogues, and thoughtful explorations of contemporary relationships, appealing to readers around the world. If you are new to her work or want to read her books in order, this guide will help you discover her key titles. Here’s a list of Sally Rooney’s books in the order they were published:
1. Mr Salary (2016)
Sally Rooney's first published work, Mr Salary, is a short story rather than a full-length novel, but it set the tone for the kind of emotionally rich, character-driven writing Rooney would later be known for. This novella, a quick yet profound read, explores themes of love, grief, and the complexities of relationships. The story revolves around Sukie, a young woman who returns home to Dublin to take care of her dying father. She reconnects with Nathan, an older man with whom she shares a complicated emotional history. Their relationship is fraught with tension, as both navigate their feelings of love, obligation, and intimacy. Rooney explores themes of unspoken emotions, power dynamics in relationships, and the tension between love and independence, all of which are present in her later works. Despite its brevity, Mr Salary leaves a lasting impact and serves as a precursor to Rooney's complex character portrayals in her novels.
2. Conversations with Friends (2017)
Conversations with Friends marked Rooney’s debut into the world of novels and received widespread acclaim. Her ability to capture the nuances of human relationships—friendships, romantic entanglements, and family bonds—set her apart as a refreshing voice in contemporary fiction. The novel follows Frances, a 21-year-old college student, and her best friend/ex-girlfriend Bobbi. The pair form a connection with a wealthy older couple, Melissa and Nick, and soon, Frances embarks on a secret affair with Nick. The novel delves into the complexities of friendship, desire, jealousy, and the blurred lines between personal boundaries. Rooney's exploration of millennial ennui, polyamory, emotional vulnerability, and the dynamics of power in relationships is central to the novel. With its sharp prose and emotionally charged dialogues, Conversations with Friends tackles issues of identity, class, and intimacy. The book was lauded for its intellectual rigor and emotional depth, with many critics praising Rooney’s ability to portray the inner lives of her characters with raw honesty.
3. Normal People (2018)
Rooney’s second novel, Normal People, solidified her status as one of the most important contemporary writers. The novel was adapted into a successful television series in 2020, further increasing its popularity. The story follows Connell and Marianne, two teenagers from a small town in Ireland, through their high school and university years. Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is socially ostracized. They form a secret relationship that continues to evolve as they both move to Dublin for university, where their lives take different paths. Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other repeatedly. Rooney delves deep into the themes of class, identity, mental health, and the complexity of love and power dynamics in relationships. The book’s exploration of vulnerability and the difficulty of being truly understood makes it a poignant portrayal of human connection. Normal People won several awards, including the Costa Book Award for Best Novel. It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Women's Prize for Fiction, with readers and critics alike praising its emotional intensity and relatable characters.
4. Beautiful World, Where Are You (2021)
Beautiful World, Where Are You is Rooney’s third novel, and it showcases her evolution as a writer. The novel addresses both personal and political themes, balancing the intimate dynamics between friends and lovers with larger societal concerns. The novel follows Alice, a successful novelist, and her best friend Eileen, who works at a literary magazine. Both women, navigating their 30s, are questioning their place in the world. Alice begins a new relationship with Felix, a warehouse worker, while Eileen reconnects with Simon, a childhood friend. Through letters exchanged between Alice and Eileen, the novel explores their thoughts on love, friendship, work, and the state of the world. Rooney weaves together personal relationships with broader discussions about capitalism, climate change, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels broken. The novel asks whether beauty and love can still exist in a world filled with despair. The book received a mix of praise for its introspection and critique of the modern world, with many admiring Rooney’s ability to craft sharp, intimate portrayals of friendship and love while addressing wider societal issues.
5. Intermezzo (2024)
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney is a deeply touching story about grief, love, and family, capturing the complexities of relationships that Rooney is known for. The novel focuses on two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, who are brought together after their father’s death, though they seem to have little in common otherwise. Peter, a successful lawyer in his 30s, is struggling to cope with his loss while managing complicated relationships with his first love, Sylvia, and the carefree Naomi. On the other hand, his younger brother Ivan, a shy and introverted chess player, enters a life-changing relationship with Margaret, an older woman dealing with her own past. As both brothers face their grief and emotional struggles, Intermezzo becomes a heartfelt story about love, sorrow, and the possibility of healing. Rooney weaves a powerful tale of human emotions, showing how much one can endure without falling apart, making it a touching read on personal resilience.