Summary
Sally Rooney's fourth novel, Intermezzo, marks a significant departure from her previous works. Published in September 2024, the book explores themes of grief, love, and family through the lens of two brothers coping with their father's death. Set in Dublin and rural Ireland, it showcases Rooney's evolution as a writer, with critics praising its philosophical depth and stylistic experimentation.
The novel has garnered widespread acclaim, appearing on numerous “Best Books of 2024” lists and receiving recognition from prestigious publications such as The New York Times Book Review and The Washington Post. Rooney's exploration of male protagonists and fraternal relationships represents a new direction in her writing, while still maintaining her signature insights into contemporary relationships and societal pressures.
Intermezzo has been lauded for its audiobook version, narrated by Éanna Hardwicke, known for his role in the adaptation of Rooney's earlier novel, Normal People. The audio performance has earned an Earphones Award from AudioFile, with critics highlighting Hardwicke's ability to capture the emotional nuances of Rooney's prose. This acclaim further solidifies Rooney's position as one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature.
Plot
Intermezzo, Sally Rooney's fourth novel, centers on two brothers coping with their father's recent death. Peter, a 32-year-old Dublin lawyer, struggles with insomnia and complicated relationships. He juggles his feelings for his ex-girlfriend Sylvia, an English professor battling chronic pain, and his current girlfriend Naomi, a college student significantly younger than him.
Ivan, Peter's 22-year-old brother, is a former chess prodigy whose career has stalled. At a chess exhibition, he meets Margaret, a 36-year-old arts program director. Despite the age gap, they begin an intense relationship. As Ivan opens up to Margaret about his grief and family tensions, their bond deepens.
The brothers' relationship becomes strained when Peter expresses disapproval of Ivan's relationship with Margaret, leading to a complete communication breakdown. Meanwhile, Peter's own relationships grow increasingly complex. He briefly rekindles his physical relationship with Sylvia during her pain flare-up, mistakenly believing she wants to reconcile. When Sylvia clarifies her position, Peter attempts to fully commit to Naomi, only to face accusations of exploitation.
The novel climaxes with a heated confrontation between the brothers at their late father's house, resulting in a physical altercation. In the aftermath, both seek comfort from their respective partners. The story concludes with a tentative reconciliation between Ivan and Peter, facilitated by Margaret, as they agree to reunite for Christmas. The novel explores themes of grief, age-gap relationships, and the complexities of familial and romantic love.
Themes
Grief and its impact on family relationships
Power dynamics in romantic and sibling relationships
Age gaps and generational differences
Love and vulnerability in the face of loss
The complexities of male bonding and brotherhood
Personal growth and self-discovery through adversity
The interplay between past experiences and present choices
Setting
Set in contemporary Ireland, Intermezzo primarily takes place in Dublin and rural western Ireland. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of modern urban life in the capital city, while also exploring the quieter, more pastoral setting of the Irish countryside. This dual setting reflects the contrasting lives and personalities of the two brothers at the heart of the story.
Dublin serves as the main stage for much of the action, providing a bustling urban environment where characters navigate their professional and personal lives. The city's vibrant cultural scene is highlighted through references to arts centers and chess exhibitions. In contrast, the fictional rural town in western Ireland offers a more intimate and reflective atmosphere, echoing the novel's themes of family, grief, and personal growth.
Characters
Peter Koubek: A 32-year-old Dublin lawyer struggling with grief after his father's death. Peter juggles complex relationships with two women while dealing with personal and professional challenges. His relationship with his younger brother Ivan is strained but evolving throughout the novel.
Ivan Koubek: Peter's 22-year-old brother, a former chess prodigy. Socially awkward and introverted, Ivan begins a passionate relationship with an older woman named Margaret. He grapples with his father's death and his complicated dynamic with Peter.
Margaret Kearns: A 36-year-old arts program director who begins a relationship with Ivan. Margaret is emerging from a turbulent past, including a difficult divorce, and finds unexpected connection with the much younger Ivan.
Sylvia: Peter's ex-girlfriend and close friend, a 32-year-old English professor. Sylvia deals with chronic pain from a past car accident and has a complex, evolving relationship with Peter throughout the novel.
Naomi: Peter's current girlfriend, a 23-year-old college student. Naomi has a carefree attitude towards life and supplements her income by selling explicit photos online. Her relationship with Peter is complicated by their age difference and differing life experiences.
Ricky: Margaret's ex-husband, an alcoholic whose possessive behavior led to their divorce. His presence in Margaret's past affects her current relationship with Ivan.
Peter and Ivan's father: Though deceased at the start of the novel, his memory and the impact of his death drive much of the brothers' emotional journey throughout the story.
Quick facts
It is Sally Rooney's fourth novel, published in September 2024.
The audiobook is narrated by actor Éanna Hardwicke, known for his role in Normal People.
The novel marks a departure for Rooney by focusing on male protagonists and fraternal relationships.
Rooney was inspired to write the book after imagining a chess exhibition scene at a small-town arts center.
The title “Intermezzo” references both musical interludes and chess terminology.
Rooney wrote the book after relocating from Dublin to the countryside near Castlebar.
The novel was influenced by James Joyce's Ulysses.
It uses varied narrative techniques and distinct voices for its three main characters.
Intermezzo became the fastest-selling book in Ireland in 2024.
The book appeared on twenty different “Best Books of 2024” lists by December of that year.
About the Author
Sally Rooney, born in 1991 in Castlebar, Ireland, has quickly become one of the most acclaimed millennial authors. Her meteoric rise began with the publication of her debut novel Conversations with Friends in 2017, which garnered widespread critical praise. Rooney followed this success with Normal People in 2018, solidifying her status as a literary sensation.
Rooney's writing often explores themes of love, class, and politics through the lens of young, educated characters navigating complex relationships. Her spare yet incisive prose style and keen observations of modern life have resonated strongly with readers. In 2021, Rooney released her third novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You, to great anticipation.
Beyond her novels, Rooney has also made a mark in television. Both Normal People and Conversations with Friends have been adapted into critically acclaimed miniseries for BBC Three and Hulu. These adaptations have further expanded Rooney's audience and influence in popular culture.
Rooney's work is informed by her self-described Marxist and feminist views. She has been vocal about political issues, including campaigning for abortion rights in Ireland. In 2022, Time magazine named Rooney one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her significant impact on contemporary literature and culture.
