Normal People remains as a top-notch book to TV series adaptation. The casting, dialogue, setting, and most importantly, its close attention to plot points, sets a spectacular example that other directors should follow. At its core, Normal People is a unique but realistic love story. Conflicts and challenges are realistic. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking that a relationship should be perfect.

The main characters are flawed in many ways. The reader is left wondering if these two should even be together. The dialogue and simplicity of the writing further add a sense of sophistication and mystique to the story.

I thoroughly appreciated the risks that Sally Rooney took with Marianne and Connell’s relationship, and it was something that I hadn’t quite realized until I’d read the book. Such risks are refreshing in a modern world where the same love story can become so saturated.

So on rainy days, where I may feel reminiscent and melancholy, my mind runs back to Marianne and Connell’s story. I think back to gorgeous views of the Irish countryside and a muted blue-green color palette. And I think maybe, just maybe, second chances do exist.