I had always considered reading Sally Rooney’s books to be a guilty pleasure. However, after reading “Intermezzo”, I realized that there’s a deeper layer to her novels beyond the surface-level themes of sex, drugs, and messy relationships. This novel explores the concept of what we want others to be versus accepting them for who they truly are. Through the journey of two estranged brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, we learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the complexities of human relationships. The relationship between the Koubek brothers captures a core reason why I keep coming back to Rooney’s novels. Her ability to delve into human behavior through the brothers’ inner monologues, unsaid words, and spiraling actions is truly remarkable. Rooney has a knack for capturing the chasms of misunderstanding that exist between people, mirroring everyday interactions with uncanny accuracy. Moreover, if you have a sibling, this book will resonate with you on a deeper level. Rooney uses the brothers as a representation of the two sides of the human brain, each with its own desires and approaches to life. The strained relationship between them mirrors the torn nature of a confused soul, and when their differences overlap, violent reactions are inevitable. Rooney’s true masterstroke in “Intermezzo” lies in her exploration of how the lens through which we interpret the world skews our language and ultimately impacts our ability to communicate and connect. She delves into the question of how we make sense of our lives when a major event shatters our preconceived notions of the future. All of this is set against the backdrop of contemporary social issues such as equity, agency, abuse, and modern relationship structures. “Intermezzo” may be Rooney’s finest work yet, and it is undoubtedly a worthwhile read.

Not the perfect book, but very good. I enjoyed it, and it did have me thinking about it - even on days where I didn’t have the time to read it.

I gave this book many chances. At least three strong efforts. I gave up. Dense and boring and unnecessarily difficult to follow. Very disappointed in this author. Especially today. And very much done.

Couldn’t put it down…

No one writes about complicated relationships better than Sally Rooney. This book and its characters will stay with you for a long time. Hoping this comes out in movie version.

Whether on purpose or not, Intermezzo does such a brilliant job of demonstrating the pitfalls of ableism. As someone with advanced endometriosis, I know what Sylvia experiences is not so uncommon. Ivan’s ASD quite literally makes him a more likable character than Peter. I love Rooney for writing them like that.

I loved it! It’s difficult to understand the meaning of grief when you are not there, but Rooney achieves very well in it. The whole atmosphere in the book is plenty of this kind of discomfort. I enjoy reading it. La historia de dos hermanos que viven el luto de la pérdida de su padre. La historia de diferentes estilos de amar, en dos, en tres? La hipocresía de la sociedad y el querer siempre dar gusto a los demás. Me encantó.

Her writing style is uniquely personal. The simplicity and intricacy balance is captivating.

Deep characters and flowing story— yet so simple and personal

Sally Rooney is the most magnificent writer of our time.