Sally Rooney's "Intermezzo" Receives Rave Reviews from Critics: Is It Her Best Yet?

Sally Rooney, the acclaimed Irish author, has once again captured the literary world’s attention with her latest novel, "Intermezzo". Critics are singing its praises, calling it "utterly perfect". But what exactly makes this book stand out in Rooney's impressive oeuvre?

"Intermezzo" marks a departure from Rooney’s characteristic female protagonists, centering instead on the dynamics between two grieving brothers, Ivan and Peter. The narrative explores their vastly different lives—22-year-old Ivan, a quirky and competitive chess player, and Peter, his older brother, a charismatic barrister involved in age-gap relationships.

The Guardian's Anthony Cummins calls "Intermezzo" “truly wonderful,” highlighting it as a “tender, funny page-turner” that dives deep into the chaotic grief we all grapple with, as well as Rooney’s richest exploration yet of complicated romantic entanglements. This theme of interpersonal relationships is no foreign territory for Rooney; her previous works, such as "Normal People," have sold over a million copies in the UK alone and solidified her status as a literary force.

Critics are in general agreement that "Intermezzo" showcases a newfound confidence in Rooney's writing. Jo Hamya of The Independent lauded the book in her five-star review, stating that Rooney "at last discovers the full potential of her prowess." She added that for readers who have patiently awaited this release, "the reward is transcendent."

Anna Bonet of The i describes "Intermezzo" as "mature and profound," suggesting it feels like a culmination of Rooney's previous themes and stylistic choices. However, she does caution that it is "not a flawless novel," with particular mention of one female character, Naomi, whose portrayal lacked depth compared to her male counterparts.

This sentiment is echoed by Shahidha Bari of the Financial Times, who critiques the secondary female characters as underdeveloped. She describes Sylvia as a quintessential Rooney-esque heroine, while Naomi leans too closely to the trope of the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl," a stereotype that has faced criticism in contemporary literature.

In an interview with the New York Times, Rooney addressed the novel’s structure, stating, “I didn’t feel that I had to write a book where the male voice is central.” She emphasized her intent was merely to "feel through the story" as it naturally unfolded. Rooney is unapologetic about her artistic choices, claiming, “I don’t care about my career. I think about how to make this book the perfect version of what it can be."

While many view "Intermezzo" as a step forward for Rooney, some reviewers like Lola Seaton from the New Statesman argue that it falls short of the manicured tension found in her earlier hits, "Conversations with Friends" and "Normal People." Despite this, she recognizes it as an "honourable, tenacious and not unsuccessful attempt" to push beyond her established comfort zone as a writer.

As Rooney’s novels continue to dominate the literary landscape, two of her previous works have found their way to the screen: "Conversations with Friends" was adapted into a TV series in 2022, while "Normal People" garnered a massive fanbase during the lockdown, showcasing her storytelling prowess not just on paper but also through visual media.

With "Intermezzo" now captivating readers, one must wonder if this latest novel will solidify Rooney’s reputation as one of her generation’s most compelling voices. What’s next for this brilliant storyteller? Stay tuned!