Book review: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Published on 25 November 2025
Genre: Drama/psychological
Reviewer: Genevieve
Why I chose this book:
I read Normal People and wanted to read Sally Rooney’s new release. Also, it has a captivating electric blue cover.
Quick Summary:
At the heart of the novel is the fractured relationship between two brothers who recently lost their father. The book explores their grieving processes, their romantic relationships and their sense of self.
The novel asks us to question our preconceptions of what is societally acceptable when it comes to romantic relationships, and for whose benefit we adhere to those boundaries. It also beautifully depicts the importance we put on the approval of our siblings, as well as the approval of our parents.
Set against the Streets of Dublin and rural West Ireland, the book follows Ivan, a young chess grandmaster and his older brother Peter, a high-profile lawyer. Two vastly different and fiercely independent men who’s lives explosively intersect as they navigate the loss of their father.
This book puts a magnifying glass on the complicated human condition. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love and loss.
What I thought:
The chapters are written intermittently from the perspective of each brother. I found the writing style difficult to follow to begin with but was soon completely swept away in the narrative.
The characters are layered and empathetically explored. I was completely absorbed in their journeys. And the ending, WOW!
Who should read this?
Psychology and romance enthusiasts. People who love explorations of interpersonal relationships.
Read-Alikes: