This piece was originally published in the November 2024 issue of Pandora Curated.
Hesitant yet intrigued, I eagerly awaited the arrival of Sally Rooney’s new adventure. It was not my usual read, but it was certainly one that left me introspecting on my relationship with my emotional self. With two estranged brothers navigating the loss of their father, Intermezzo is a contemplative and character-driven narrative about familial bonds, healing, and the inescapable flaws of human nature.
Ivan and Peter struggle to reconnect after their father's death; however, their drastically different personalities and life choices cause a series of tensions and hurdles, testing their relationship amid a newfound reality. Peter, a successful human rights lawyer is portrayed as the opposite of his brother Ivan, an awkward chess player.
Rooney’s characteristic focus on complex human interactions and emotional depth shines as she intertwines themes of grief, identity, and interpersonal relationships. With this backdrop, as the brothers explore the changed nature and approach to romantic relationships, their partners further complicate the narrative, subsequently introducing themes of healing and personal growth.
Particularly gripping for me was the human connection and vulnerability that remains at the forefront, examining how complex familial ties can be both a source of comfort and conflict. Each character and their relationships with one another are carefully drawn, showcasing their intricate emotional landscapes, and reaffirming Rooney’s ability to blend intellectual discourse with raw emotional depth.
Rooney’s minimalistic prose and sharp dialogues emphasize the inner worlds of her characters, allowing readers to step inside the minds of the brothers and their inner dialogues. This was starkly different to her usual style of writing, which previously had me struggling to keep my attention on her otherwise narrative tone. Through this, she captures the intensity of brief, meaningful moments of connection. While the novel is grounded in the characters' emotional lives, it also touches on broader social and philosophical questions, in keeping with the writer’s signature style.
Despite the short sentences and quick transfers between each character’s thoughts and dialogue, Intermezzo is slower compared to Rooney’s previous works. She takes her time to develop each character, nudging readers towards further intrigue. This carefully thought-out stylistic choice allows for a deeper exploration of the brothers’ emotional and psychological states and also encourages me to keep up with the story of both siblings.
The novel’s title, referring to a short, connecting piece of music, is a symbol of the transient but transformative moments the characters experience.
Particularly refreshing and relatable was Rooney’s nuanced portrayal of flawed, complicated relationships. The novel’s introspective tone, focusing on the subtle but lasting impact of psychological trauma, is a refreshing switch from her usual works. However, the constant battle between the heart and mind and the navigation of internal conflicts may not appeal to all readers, but it serves as a reality check for us all, as we navigate our relationships.
Intermezzo is a thoughtful and emotionally rich work that demonstrates Rooney’s continued mastery of character-driven narratives. Her poignant prose and exploration of modern relationships ensure a rich, thought-provoking experience.
Edited by the Curated Editorial Team
Veda (she/her) is the Director of News at Political Pandora. She is a student of Humanities and Social Science.
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Keywords:
Sally Rooney, Intermezzo, Familial Bonds, Emotional Depth, Grief, Healing, Identity, Human Connection, Vulnerability, Character-Driven, Minimalistic Prose, Psychological Trauma, Flawed Relationships, Personal Growth, Introspective Narrative.
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