Sally Rooney’s latest novel, “Intermezzo,” has taken the literary world by storm, with critics hailing it as “utterly perfect.” The Irish author’s fourth book explores the complex relationship between two grieving brothers in age-gap relationships, a departure from her usual female protagonist-driven narratives.
The novel follows Ivan, a 22-year-old competitive chess player, and his older brother Peter, a smooth-talking barrister, as they navigate grief and messy romantic entanglements. Critics have praised Rooney’s handling of themes such as intimacy, communication, and desire, with The Guardian’s Anthony Cummins calling it a “truly wonderful” and “confident” work.
Despite the acclaim, some critics have pointed out flaws in the novel, particularly in the depiction of female characters like Naomi, one of Peter’s love interests. While some felt that Naomi was not as well fleshed out as other characters, others appreciated the more impressionistic writing style that Rooney employed in “Intermezzo.”
In an interview with the New York Times, Rooney expressed her disregard for concerns about her career and the similarities between her works. She emphasized her focus on making each book the best version of itself, without comparing it to her previous works.
While opinions on “Intermezzo” vary, with some critics feeling it lacks the taut self-assurance of Rooney’s earlier works, others see it as a bold departure from her comfort zone. With two of Rooney’s novels already adapted for TV, fans are eagerly awaiting to see if “Intermezzo” will follow suit and make its way to the screen.
