A few years ago, I picked up Normal People by Sally Rooney without knowing much about it. By the time I finished, I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. The novel’s depiction of Marianne and Connell—two people deeply connected yet often at odds with themselves and each other—was heartbreakingly real. It reminded me of those friendships and relationships that shape you, the ones where timing never seems to work out, and communication is never as easy as it should be.
I remember finishing the last page and just sitting there, lost in thought. It wasn’t just the story itself but the way Rooney captured the subtleties of human interaction—the way a conversation could mean everything or nothing, depending on the moment. I found myself reflecting on past relationships, on the times when words were left unsaid or when a single decision changed the course of something meaningful. If you’ve had a similar experience with Normal People, you’re probably searching for books that offer the same emotional intensity, nuanced relationships, and exploration of identity. Here are some novels that echo its depth and complexity.
Books Like Normal People: The Search for Connection
What makes Normal People so compelling is its raw honesty in portraying human relationships. The novels listed below similarly focus on personal struggles, emotional growth, and the delicate balance of intimacy and isolation. These stories offer characters that feel real, their emotions messy and their journeys unpredictable—just like life itself.
1. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
If you’re looking for another novel with Rooney’s signature style, Conversations with Friends – book is a great place to start. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, two college students who develop an intense relationship with a married couple, Nick and Melissa. The novel explores themes of power, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between love and friendship—similar to Normal People in its emotional realism and complex character dynamics.
Rooney’s writing once again captures the intricate dynamics of relationships, making this novel feel just as intimate and thought-provoking. If you loved the way Normal People examined love and communication, you’ll find a similar emotional pull here.
2. The Idiot by Elif Batuman
Elif Batuman’s The Idiot centers on Selin, a Harvard freshman navigating her first year of college in the 1990s. Like Marianne and Connell, Selin is intelligent yet socially uncertain, struggling to understand love and human connection. The novel is filled with dry humor and introspective musings, making it a thoughtful and deeply relatable read.
Selin’s journey of self-discovery mirrors the uncertainty and emotional vulnerability that makes Normal People so compelling. The novel explores how young adults fumble their way through relationships, often misreading signals and overanalyzing every interaction—something many readers will find incredibly familiar.
3. One Day by David Nicholls
If you were drawn to the evolving relationship in Normal People, you’ll appreciate One Day. It follows Emma and Dexter, two students whose lives intertwine over two decades. Through their ups and downs, missed opportunities, and personal growth, the novel beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of love and timing.
Nicholls’ storytelling is rich with emotion, exploring the way love can persist despite life pulling people in different directions. The novel’s structure—revisiting the characters on the same day each year—adds an extra layer of poignancy, reminding readers of how fleeting moments can shape entire lifetimes.
4. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
For those who connected with the emotional depth of Normal People, A Little Life offers an even more intense exploration of friendship and trauma. The novel follows four college friends—particularly Jude, whose painful past and struggle with self-worth shape his relationships. It’s a deeply affecting book that, like Rooney’s work, examines how our personal histories impact the way we love and trust others.
Yanagihara’s writing is gut-wrenching, diving into the darkest corners of human experience while still highlighting the beauty of deep, unwavering friendships. If you’re looking for a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, this one is a must-read.
5. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Like Marianne in Normal People, Esther Greenwood in The Bell Jar grapples with societal expectations and her own sense of identity. Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel delves into themes of mental health, existential crisis, and the difficulty of finding one’s place in the world.
Plath’s prose is poetic and deeply personal, making Esther’s struggles feel achingly real. For readers who were drawn to Marianne’s inner turmoil and search for self-acceptance, The Bell Jar provides a similarly profound emotional journey.
6. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant’s journey from isolation to connection mirrors the struggles that Marianne and Connell face. As Eleanor slowly opens up to new relationships, the novel explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and emotional healing—much like Normal People’s deep dive into human vulnerability.
Honeyman balances heartbreak with humor, making Eleanor’s transformation both touching and uplifting. Readers who appreciate emotionally complex characters will find much to love in this story.
7. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Stevens, a reserved English butler, reflects on his past and the relationships he let slip away. Like Normal People, this novel is an introspective look at missed opportunities, unspoken emotions, and the quiet sorrow of what could have been.
Ishiguro’s writing is subtle yet powerful, making this a novel that lingers in the mind. If you were captivated by the emotional restraint and longing in Normal People, The Remains of the Day will resonate deeply.
8. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
This novel delves into family relationships and unspoken tensions, much like the struggles Marianne and Connell face with their own identities and backgrounds. The emotional depth and nuanced storytelling make it a compelling read for those who appreciate Normal People’s exploration of human connection.
Ng’s ability to dissect family dynamics and hidden emotions adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and engaging novel.
9. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
While Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy differs in setting and scope, its exploration of personal struggles, social expectations, and hidden lives within a small town echoes many of the themes in Normal People.
The novel’s character-driven narrative and examination of class divides make it an insightful read for those who enjoy books that delve into the intricacies of human relationships.
10. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This novel follows Celestial and Roy, a couple whose relationship is tested when Roy is wrongly imprisoned. Like Normal People, it explores love, personal growth, and the impact of external circumstances on intimate relationships.
Jones’ writing is deeply emotional, offering a poignant exploration of love under strain. Readers who appreciate stories about love, sacrifice, and resilience will find this novel deeply moving.
Finding More Books Like Normal People
At its core, Normal People is about love, identity, and the ways people shape each other’s lives. If you’re looking for books that explore similar themes, this list will keep you engaged with emotionally resonant stories. Whether it’s Sally Rooney’s familiar style or Hanya Yanagihara’s deep psychological portraits, each of these novels offers a compelling take on love, loss, and self-discovery.
