The Book Club

9. Normal People: Class, Ireland, and Heartbreak


Published: 14 April 2026 at 00:00 Europe/London

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Episode notes

Is Sally Rooney's hit novel really a love story? How does class division impact the love Marianne and Connell feel for each other? Is Rooney creating a relatable story of miscommunication during first loves, or a tale of heartbreak and loss?


Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Normal People, the world it was born of, and the novel itself.


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