Irish author Sally Rooney has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in contemporary fiction. Known for her deep explorations of relationships, class, and communication, Rooney has built a strong following among readers who connect with her introspective characters and emotionally rich prose. While her novellaIntermezzohas recently garnered attention for its quiet intensity and minimalist style, many fans are curious about the other books written by the author ofIntermezzo. Rooney’s earlier works offer a deeper understanding of her literary evolution, themes, and the nuances of her storytelling style. This topic will explore Sally Rooney’s other books, highlighting the connections and distinctions between them and what makes each one compelling in its own right.
Conversations with Friends (2017)
A Compelling Debut
Conversations with Friendswas Sally Rooney’s debut novel, published in 2017. It immediately drew attention for its sharp dialogue, psychological realism, and unconventional romantic entanglements. The novel follows Frances and Bobbi, two college students in Dublin who become entangled with a married couple, Melissa and Nick. The story unfolds through Frances’s perspective, capturing the complexities of intimacy, power dynamics, and emotional distance.
Exploring Intellectual and Emotional Boundaries
What stands out inConversations with Friendsis the intellectual interplay between characters. The book is filled with email exchanges, internal monologues, and biting observations. Rooney’s ability to expose the emotional undercurrents of everyday conversations became one of her trademarks. LikeIntermezzo, this novel is marked by a sparse style that leaves much unsaid but deeply felt.
- Focuses on millennial disconnection and emotional vulnerability
- Written in a minimalist, interior-driven style
- Explores themes of identity, love, and power
Normal People (2018)
The Breakthrough Bestseller
Following her debut, Rooney releasedNormal Peoplein 2018. This novel became an international bestseller and established her as one of the most talked-about young authors of the decade. The story centers on Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers from very different backgrounds, who navigate their way through school, university, and the tangled webs of friendship, desire, and misunderstanding.
A Deep Dive into Love and Loneliness
Normal Peopleexpands on many of the themes found inConversations with Friends, but with a greater emotional weight. The relationship between Connell and Marianne is at once ordinary and deeply affecting, showing how small choices can have lasting consequences. The novel’s quiet yet powerful moments mirror the subtle tensions that also driveIntermezzo.
- Explores class differences in romantic relationships
- Highlights the struggle to communicate emotional needs
- Praised for its psychological depth and realism
Beautiful World, Where Are You (2021)
Philosophy Meets Fiction
Rooney’s third full-length novel,Beautiful World, Where Are You, was released in 2021 and takes a more reflective and philosophical tone. It follows four central characters Alice, Eileen, Simon, and Felix who exchange thoughts on art, politics, faith, and relationships while attempting to find meaning in their personal lives. Alice, a novelist who bears some resemblance to Rooney herself, anchors much of the narrative’s introspective themes.
A Meta-Literary Approach
This novel is notable for blending fiction with meta-commentary. Through email exchanges and long conversations, Rooney allows her characters to explore the role of literature, social responsibility, and the human condition. This book shows Rooney experimenting with form and content in a way that complements the more linear storytelling found inIntermezzo.
- Contains semi-autobiographical elements
- Addresses the burden of success and fame
- Focuses on the contrast between intellectual ideals and emotional reality
Common Themes in Rooney’s Work
The Language of Intimacy
Across all her books, includingIntermezzo, Rooney consistently focuses on the language of intimacy. Her characters often struggle to articulate what they feel, resulting in moments of miscommunication that carry significant emotional consequences. Her writing style, which avoids elaborate description in favor of spare, direct language, mirrors the emotional reserve of her characters.
Class and Social Dynamics
Rooney frequently addresses class and social dynamics in her fiction. InNormal People, Connell’s working-class background stands in stark contrast to Marianne’s wealth. InBeautiful World, Where Are You, questions of privilege and global inequality surface through conversations. These concerns appear subtly inIntermezzoas well, reinforcing Rooney’s continued interest in how social structures shape personal experiences.
Millennial Experience
Another defining trait of Rooney’s writing is her acute depiction of the millennial experience. Her protagonists often face anxiety, self-doubt, and a sense of disconnection from both society and themselves. Whether through emails, texts, or silent observations, Rooney captures the mood of a generation uncertain of its place in the world.
Short Stories and Essays
Beyond the Novels
In addition to her novels and novellaIntermezzo, Sally Rooney has also published several short stories and essays. Her short fiction, featured in publications likeThe New YorkerandGranta, often explores themes similar to those in her longer works relationships, interior conflict, and subtle emotional shifts. These pieces offer a more concentrated dose of her unique voice and are well worth exploring for fans of her novels.
Examples of Short Work
- Mr. Salary” – A short story exploring complicated love and emotional detachment
- “Color and Light” – A reflective piece on artists and connection
- Essays on politics, literature, and the ethics of fiction writing
Sally Rooney’s literary universe is cohesive yet diverse, ranging from the emotionally tangled relationships inConversations with Friendsto the philosophical inquiries ofBeautiful World, Where Are You. Readers who enjoyed the stripped-back yet intense narrative ofIntermezzowill likely find her other books equally engaging. Rooney’s ability to blend emotional realism with intellectual depth sets her apart in modern literature. Her characters often live quietly on the page, but their inner lives resonate with a powerful sense of truth and recognition.
Whether you are discovering her for the first time throughIntermezzoor revisiting her earlier works, reading other books by Sally Rooney offers a broader perspective on one of today’s most influential literary voices. Her stories, grounded in the everyday but rich with emotional insight, continue to shape contemporary fiction in meaningful ways.