President Obama recommended Normal People by Sally Rooney back in 2019, and I was very impressed by the writing. I was already interested in reading Intermezzo, (2024) Rooney's latest novel. But when Obama recommended Intermezzo as well, it only became a matter of time. I have to admit that the synopsis did not draw me in, and I was a little concerned that Intermezzo would not hold up to Normal People.
In a nutshell: there are two Irish brothers, separated by ten years in age, and even more in temperament and lifestyle. Peter Koubek is a Dublin lawyer in his 30's. He has all the trappings of success, but his life is falling apart. He cannot handle being alone with himself, and is constantly self medicating with drugs. He is still in love with his old girlfriend, but he's acting like a sugar daddy to a young woman who does something resembling OnlyFans to support herself. Ivan is a 22-year-old chess prodigy. He's always been odd and socially awkward, and most of his family have never been supportive. Since his father's illness, Ivan has lost his edge at chess.
The brothers have a very complicated relationship. Peter looks down on Ivan almost as some kind of freak. He does not give him the benefit of the doubt or appreciate his good qualities. Ivan can sense this, and although he craves Peter's approval, he is very sensitive of his criticism.
When I first started reading this book, I thought I might have a hard time finishing it. When the book is from the perspective of Peter, the writing matches his disjointed and drugged up mind. The sentences are incomplete and jagged with quick impressions of what's happening instead of clear explanations. I could not have read this book if the entire thing was written in this way. Fortunately, these chapters only get us in his head space, and the majority of the book is written in a more familiar, Rooney style.
I really started getting into the book through the character of the younger brother, Ivan. Our first glimpse of him is from Peter's perspective, and Peter's viewpoint is so derisive that I thought Ivan must have some major problems. But once we get to know Ivan, it's clear that he's a genuine, caring, and honest person who just doesn't always understand social cues and norms. When Ivan goes to a chess exhibition and meets Margaret, a woman about his brother's age, they hit it off in such a natural and sweet way that I couldn't help but hope for them.
Like Normal People, Intermezzo is a book that delves into the heart of relationships and how they can change over the years. It was very interesting to see the dynamic between Ivan and Peter, how they sometimes tried to connect and failed, and how their father's death affected their relationship. In addition, we get a glimpse into their childhood, and see how that affected them as well. Both brothers also had realistic, complex relationships with the women in their lives.
Recommended. (I'm with Obama on this one).
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