Fans of the bestselling novel “Normal People” by Sally Rooney can attest to the powerful love story and transformative character development of Connell and Marianne.
The novel’s success led to a popular Hulu adaptation in 2020. However, readers seeking similar themes of romance, self-discovery, and innovative storytelling can find satisfaction in a variety of other books. From intense love stories to coming-of-age narratives, there is a novel for every reader.
1. “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman
André Aciman’s “Call Me By Your Name” is a novel that explores the exhilaration and pain of first love. The story revolves around Elio, a 17-year-old boy, who falls in love with Oliver, an American graduate student who arrives at Elio’s family’s Italian villa to study with his father in the 1980s.
The novel delves into the nature of desire and how it shapes the people we become. Aciman’s biting prose captures the raw emotions of first love in a way that few other works do. Elio and Oliver try to ignore their attraction, but eventually, they discover that their feelings are reciprocal. They luxuriate in their fleeting romance, meeting their true selves for the first time through their love for each other.
“Call Me By Your Name” is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the intensity of first love. The novel’s exploration of desire and self-discovery is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Readers will be captivated by Aciman’s lyrical prose and the unforgettable love story of Elio and Oliver.
2. “My Dark Vanessa” by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Kate Elizabeth Russell’s novel “My Dark Vanessa” tells the story of Vanessa Wye, who becomes involved in a sexual relationship with her 42-year-old English teacher, Jacob Strane, when she is just 15. Vanessa initially believes that the relationship is consensual, but as an adult, she is contacted by another of Strane’s former students who accuses him of sexual abuse.
The novel explores the complexities of trauma, sexual awakening, love, and power, urging readers to consider the ways in which these elements can coexist. Russell invites readers to examine the gray area between right and wrong, and to question their own beliefs about what constitutes consent and abuse.
Through Vanessa’s journey of self-discovery and reexamination of her past, “My Dark Vanessa” offers a powerful commentary on the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the importance of acknowledging and confronting it.
3. “The Idiot” by Elif Batuman
“The Idiot” is a novel written by Elif Batuman that follows the story of Selin, a freshman at Harvard who is struggling to find her place in the world. Being the daughter of Turkish immigrants, Selin is determined to succeed in her studies. During her freshman year, Selin begins an email correspondence with Ivan, a Hungarian student who lives across the world.
As the summer approaches, Selin travels to Hungary where she experiences the rush of first love and discovers her passion for writing. “The Idiot” is a humorous and thought-provoking novel that explores the theme of self-discovery.
4. “A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan
In “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” Jennifer Egan artfully weaves together a series of interrelated narratives that center around the lives of Bennie Salazar, an aging punk rocker, and his employee Sasha, a kleptomaniac. The book’s chapters read like individual stories, but as the connections between them become clear, they take on new meaning.
Egan employs an anachronistic structure, incorporating tableaux from all over the world, and a deep love of music to define the book’s themes. Through her prose, Egan emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and reminds readers that we often have no idea what’s happening in the minds of those around us.
5. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Americanah” is a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that tells the story of Ifemelu and Obinze, two young lovers from Nigeria who are forced to leave their homeland due to political turmoil. They end up living in different countries for 13 years, with Ifemelu struggling to adapt to life as a Black person in America and Obinze living undocumented in London after the 9/11 terror attack.
Despite the distance and challenges they face, Ifemelu and Obinze never forget each other. Eventually, they both find success in their respective careers and reconnect as adults. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of love in a globalized world.
Through her writing, Adichie offers a nuanced perspective on the experiences of Black immigrants in the US and UK. “Americanah” has received critical acclaim for its insightful portrayal of these issues, and has been praised for its engaging characters and compelling storytelling.
6. “Her Body and Other Parties” by Carmen Maria Machado
Carmen Maria Machado’s “Her Body and Other Parties” is a collection of short stories that explores the experiences of women and the violence they face due to their gender. The stories in the collection cover a range of genres, from horror to drama, and each one offers a unique perspective on the female experience.
One of the stories in the collection, “Real Women Have Bodies,” tells the story of a mysterious virus that causes young women to disappear. Some of the women in the story attach themselves to prom dresses to maintain some form of bodily presence. Machado also modernizes the classic horror story “The Green Ribbon” and transforms every “Law and Order: SVU” episode into a world of ghosts and longing.
Despite the different narrative formats, the tone and subject matter of the stories in “Her Body and Other Parties” are similar to Sally Rooney’s “Normal People.” The collection offers a mix of humor, drama, and intimacy, and each story will move readers in different ways.
7. “One Day” by David Nicholls
“One Day” by David Nicholls is a captivating novel that tells the story of Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley’s relationship over a period of 20 years. The story begins on July 15 in the ’80s when the two graduate college and spend a memorable day together. As the years go by, Nicholls provides readers with glimpses of their relationship on the same day over two decades, showcasing the ups and downs of their bond.
Despite their changing circumstances, Dex and Emma are always drawn to each other, even as they struggle with bad timing and missed opportunities. The novel is a poignant and realistic portrayal of true love, exploring the consuming nature of relationships and the challenges that come with them.
8. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
Jude, the protagonist of Hanya Yanagihara’s “A Little Life,” is haunted by traumatic experiences from his early childhood. The novel follows Jude’s life through his friendships with three other young men who are drawn to him.
As they grow up together, Jude’s past memories begin to unravel him, and he becomes increasingly reliant on the support of his friends. Despite his success as a lawyer, Jude struggles to cope with the emotional weight of his past. Yanagihara’s novel is a poignant exploration of the human experience, unafraid to confront the painful realities of life. For more information on the book, click here.
9. “Sweetbitter” by Stephanie Danler
Stephanie Danler’s novel “Sweetbitter” follows Tess, a 22-year-old who moves to New York City without knowing anyone. She stumbles into a job at one of the city’s best restaurants and quickly becomes immersed in the high-stakes world of the restaurant industry. Despite being teased by her colleagues and the job being exhausting, Tess finds herself drawn to Simone, the restaurant’s sommelier, and Jake, a bartender with whom Simone has a romantic history. Tess’ own relationship with Jake causes problems for her professionally, but she cannot resist the attraction.
Danler’s writing style is poignant and immersive, providing a clear picture of what it’s like to be young in New York City. The novel’s adaptation into a show on Starz provides another way to experience the story. Readers can expect to be transported into the world of the restaurant industry and witness the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a high-pressure environment.
10. “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer
“The Interestings” is a novel by Meg Wolitzer that centers around six friends who meet at a summer camp for young, creative minds in the 1970s. The story follows Jules Jacobson, who is the readers’ entrance point into the group. Jules looks at her friends with awe as they fulfill their prophecies of success while she struggles with how ordinary her life becomes.
However, in the background, one of the Interestings does something unforgivable, and the dynamic of the friendship changes forever. Wolitzer’s novel is a sweeping exploration of friendship that spans generations. It studies the moments that create lifelong bonds and how they can be shattered by a single action.
11. Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
“Conversations With Friends” by Sally Rooney is a novel that explores themes of first love and self-discovery. The story revolves around Frances and Bobbi, two former lovers who transitioned into platonic friends after their high school romance. Frances is a wandering writer, while Bobbi is a confident performer. Together, they perform spoken word poems that complement each other’s strengths.
Their dynamic changes when they meet Melissa, a famous photographer, and her actor husband Nick. Melissa welcomes the girls into her life, and Bobbi is immediately in awe of her. Meanwhile, Frances finds herself gravitating toward Nick, who is 12 years her senior. Frances and Nick fall into an affair, which surprises them both with the depth of their connection. However, this doesn’t lessen the feelings they have for Bobbi and Melissa.
“Conversations With Friends” is a novel that’s equal parts romance and personal growth story. Readers watch Frances discover who she is and what she wants through the affair. The novel is a captivating read that delves into the complexities of relationships and the journey of self-discovery.
12. “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett is a captivating family saga that explores the complex topic of passing in America. The story follows the lives of Desiree and Stella Vignes, who grew up as twins in the small, Black community of Mallard, Louisiana in the 1950s. At 16, the pair run away to New Orleans to start over together, but Stella discovers she can pass for white and decides to leave her old life and Desiree behind.
The novel chronicles the lives of the Vignes twins and their daughters over several decades, highlighting the impact of the choices they make and the secrets they keep. Bennett’s writing is both personal and insightful, providing a nuanced perspective on the experience of passing and the complexities of race in America.
Through her characters, Bennett explores themes of identity, family, and the enduring bonds that connect us. “The Vanishing Half” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
13. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus. The novel explores the relationship between the two companions, starting from their childhood and following them through their time in the Trojan War.
Miller’s novel offers a fresh perspective on the well-known tale, focusing on the emotional connection between Achilles and Patroclus. The author takes a deeper look at the bond that develops between the two characters, which eventually turns into a romance.
The novel also deals with the consequences of their relationship, as Achilles faces a fatal prophecy regarding his role in the Trojan War. Miller’s writing is both accessible and beautiful, making the story of Homer’s epic poem “The Iliad” relevant and meaningful to modern readers.
14. “Queenie” by Candice Carty-Williams
In “Queenie” by Candice Carty-Williams, the protagonist, a Black Jamaican woman, feels like an outsider at her London newspaper job due to her race. After breaking up with her white boyfriend, Queenie finds herself making questionable decisions with men, leading her to question her own identity.
This novel explores the struggles of understanding oneself and the person one is becoming, making it relatable to many young women. The honest writing in this book provides a clear and insightful perspective on the challenges faced by women of color in contemporary society.
Summary
For those who enjoyed reading “Normal People” by Sally Rooney and are looking for similar books, there are several options to consider.
Some of the recommended books include “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney, “The Idiot” by Elif Batuman, “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson, “The Pisces” by Melissa Broder, and “The Girls” by Emma Cline. These books offer similar themes and writing styles that readers of “Normal People” may enjoy.