I always adore Rooney’s books so perhaps I’m a tad biased- but I just love the way she writes! I think of her novels as literary analyses of the modern human psyche, demonstrations of universal dysfunction in social relationships, and of course glimpses into the melancholy yet beautifully normal day-to-day lives of ordinary Irish folk. The book contains sex scenes and sexual conversation, though none of it incredibly graphic; rather, I find that the emotional subtext of that theme is much more the focus.  The characters take some time to become “loveable,” but they are certainly relatable, affectionately flawed, and authentic. I definitely found myself caring for and about the main characters by the end.