Acclaimed Irish author Sally Rooney returns with her latest novel Intermezzo, which critics have hailed as “utterly perfect.” Known for her intricate explorations of relationships, Rooney takes a fresh approach in her fourth novel, shifting her focus from female protagonists to the dynamic between two brothers, Ivan and Peter, both grappling with grief and age-gap romances.
A Different Kind of Relationship
In Intermezzo, Ivan, a quirky 22-year-old chess prodigy, contrasts sharply with his brother Peter, a polished barrister. The narrative alternates perspectives between the two, showcasing Rooney’s signature deep dives into emotional complexity. However, the omission of Naomi’s point of view, one of Peter’s love interests, has sparked critique. The Financial Times’ Shahidha Bari suggests this leads to a weaker depiction of the female characters, with Naomi’s characterization bordering on the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” trope.
Rooney’s Most Confident Work Yet
While Intermezzo retains themes of intimacy, communication, and desire central to her previous works, critics note this novel feels more mature. The Independent’s Jo Hamya describes the novel as Rooney discovering “the full potential of her prowess.” Despite a few shortcomings, such as the portrayal of the female characters, the book is widely regarded as her most profound and ambitious work to date. The i’s Anna Bonet concurs, labeling it “Rooney’s best book yet,” though not without acknowledging some flaws.
A Step Beyond Familiar Territory
Known for her hit novels Conversations with Friends (2017) and Normal People (2018), Rooney has become a literary force. Normal People even garnered a BAFTA-winning television adaptation starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, a cultural touchstone during the 2020 lockdown. Conversations with Friends was also adapted for the screen in 2022, but with Intermezzo, Rooney ventures beyond her comfort zone. Critics such as Lola Seaton of the New Statesman note the novel’s attempt to move away from the familiar, even if it doesn’t always succeed. Seaton calls it “an honorable and tenacious attempt to go beyond her previous works.”
Rooney on Her Writing Process
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Rooney downplayed concerns about repeating herself, emphasizing that she doesn’t care about her career trajectory. Instead, she focuses on making each book the “perfect version of what it can be,” regardless of how it compares to her earlier novels.
Despite some minor critiques, Intermezzo is seen as a turning point in Sally Rooney’s career, one that solidifies her place as one of the most important contemporary voices in literature today. Whether it will follow in the footsteps of Normal People and be adapted for television remains to be seen, but its depth and emotional resonance suggest it has the potential for another screen success.
