There really is nothing normal about BBC and Hulu’s adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. I’ve been on this planet more than 50 years and this is the most accurate and beautifully made adaptation of a novel I have ever seen. The author Sally Rooney is credited both as co-writer and executive producer on the series.
I’m not saying this lightly, or from a faded memory of the book. As soon as I realised the show was due to start at the end of April I raced to read it (it’s been sat on my to-read pile for months). I finished it just before the launch date and once I started watching had to stop myself bingeing the whole series in one sitting. I needed to savour it and enjoy this thing that is so perfect.
Social media exploded with comments. Maybe because of lockdown, people were missing the intimate contact that is so very present in this story. Fans even set up an Instagram account in the name of @connellschain in homage to the necklace wearing Connell Waldron with 35,000 followers.
I would normally say read the book before you see an adaptation but in the case of Normal People that rule goes right out of the window. Watch the series, binge it or savour it, delight in the stunning Irish setting and fall in love with Marianne and Connell.
Future large and small screen productions take note, make it true, involve the author, make us happy to see our favourite books on the screen.
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