Sally Rooney’s new novel “Intermezzo” features some of her most elevated work but is far from her best.
The book is a beautifully written in-depth character analysis of two brothers and how love, grief and judgment affect their relationships. Rooney includes intelligent discussions of economic, social and political issues while looking at love and life through the different lenses of the two main characters. It’s brilliant. But it’s not for everyone.
With many themes, issues and hidden literary quotes woven through the story, the meaning and intention behind the book can be difficult to find.
This literary fiction novel follows Peter and Ivan after the death of their father. A lawyer, Peter Koubek is almost a decade older than his 22-year-old brother Ivan, who is a competitive chess player. The brothers aren’t very close, but the death of their father pushes them to make more of an effort with their relationship.
Despite the small semblance of plot in this book focusing on the death of the brothers’ father, grief plays a very small role in “Intermezzo.” While grief was portrayed well, the synopsis’ emphasis on grief was very misleading.
Previously when reading her books, readers never had a reason to question Rooney’s choices. Her books have always included different scenes and conversations that are written with clear purpose and intention while also being easy to appreciate and enjoy. “Intermezzo” changes that.
Rooney’s books have always had an enriching quality about them. But some may find that “Intermezzo” isn’t as easy to enjoy.
Maybe it’s because of the book’s long chapters or excessive length, but “Intermezzo” drags on in parts. The first 150 pages are unnecessarily spent establishing the different relationships and dynamics between all the characters in the story, which made for a very slow start to the book. There were also several dull moments throughout the book that may struggle to hold some readers’ attention.
It’s not unusual for Rooney’s work to be more character driven and not follow a traditional plot line, considering the genre it falls under. However, it is unusual that “Intermezzo” consists of so many needless scenes and conversations between characters.
Thought provoking and dense, “Intermezzo” is the perfect novel for anyone who enjoys deep discussions about what it means to love. Everyone else should steer clear of this pretentious read.
