I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read this novel because I feel like I would have loved it more if I had read it on the heels of the pandemic. One thing I love about Sally Rooney stories is her exploration of non-typical relationship dynamics. I found the parallels between the two best friends and their partners to be a very interesting lense on female friendship, and I was most pulled in by the story towards the end when the four are together and the dynamics are playing out in-person.

Really, I just loved every moment that centered on Alice and Eileen. As for the actual relationships between the two couples, though, I really had trouble engaging with or even being interested in their relationship progressions. I found them interesting in relation to the women’s friendship, but otherwise it didn’t connect. 

I adore Sally Rooney’s writing so even though this hasn’t been my favorite story of hers, I do still feel that there were thoughts to gain from it- Eileen and Alice’s email reflections resonated deeply- and it was beautifully written as always.