Entry #2 Book Review Beautiful World, Where Are You – Sally Rooney

Beautiful World, Where Are You

Sally Rooney

Hello guys!

First, I will give you a very short introduction to this book. Here we go,

It’s a story about four friends who are searching for meaning in their life. Alice tries to heal herself from the past that destroyed her, so she has to move on. This means, that Alice decided to live in a suburban area, being in recovery from nature and enjoying her life. There, she meets Felix, a man that takes her heart and makes her think to start a better life in that place. Alice and Felix are seeking self-acceptance within each other from their past trauma. Their relationship has slow-approaching steps, and it is part of their journey to be close and understand each other without forcing anything. Being together has brought them on a new path, accepting their flaws.

Meanwhile, the other characters, Eileen and Simon are childhood friends that have been confused with their feelings. Both of them find love sparking joy in their relationship, but they are too afraid to take the risks. The ups and downs in their life make them realize their true feelings and existence within each other.

The plot of this story has a slow-fast dynamic intention between the four characters. Because the story is connecting each other, sometimes I was wondering who is who when the narration is narrated at the beginning of the chapter. Yup, the writer is using the third person point of view to tell the characters' story. I like how it is styled, but I think it makes us (readers) feel away from the characters' emotions. I couldn't catch the characters' true emotions while I know the characters are suffering. Maybe, the writer wants to develop their characters from the dialogues but still, I didn't see them. Also, I think the characters' development in this story is too shallow and brief. I wish the writer could put more details into characterizations since this book is about their steps in searching for lifetime value.

Besides, this book shows the friendship that I relate with about 'we're friends, but I don’t share with you.’ There was a time when my friends told my other friend about their condition while I had no clue what happened to them, and I felt left behind. And, it’s the WORST. Yes, this book is providing you with a relatable friendship and dynamic relationship. It's very common in friendship while others trust others more than you, and it is time for you to talk from heart to heart.

If you're looking for a friendship, life journey, and social environment book's themes with slow pace flow, maybe it suits you. Also, it's my second time reading Sally Rooney's books after Conversations with a friend, and I still didn't have strong connections with her characters. I also think her best writing style is on how vocal her characters declare social issues in the story, not the characterization. Moreover, the things that I like about this book are it's very light and easy to read (well, at certain points I skipped the email (unnecessary) part ‘cause it's too long), and I love how their relationship grows over time to time.

3/5 from me!

Favorite quotes

The fact that we are exposed to these people everywhere in our culture, as if they are not only normal but attractive and enviable, indicates the extent of our disfiguring social disease.

because I was a difficult and sad person.

And don't get the wrong idea, you're welcome to be in love with me if you want.