Life and Art from FT Weekend
Culture chat: ‘Intermezzo’ and the Sally Rooney phenomenon
Sep 27, 2024
Laura Battle, deputy books editor at the Financial Times, and Griselda Murray-Brown, commissioning editor for FT Magazine, dive into the buzz around Sally Rooney's new novel, Intermezzo. They dissect the themes of familial loss and relationships, exploring why Rooney resonates with millennials. The discussion shifts to the blending of personal experiences with broader generational challenges in her storytelling. They also tackle the expectations around Rooney's political messages compared to her narrative style, questioning the role of literature in addressing societal issues.
28:52
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Quick takeaways
- Sally Rooney's novel Intermezzo intricately explores the emotional complexities and dynamics of sibling relationships through the contrasting lives of two brothers.
- The narrative of Intermezzo merges contemporary millennial culture with classical influences, reinforcing Rooney's prominence as a voice in modern literature.
Deep dives
Exploration of Intermezzo's Themes
The novel Intermezzo by Sally Rooney revolves around the emotional complexities within sibling relationships, particularly between two brothers, Peter and Ivan Kubek. Peter, a successful lawyer, finds himself in a love triangle, while Ivan, an awkward chess prodigy, grapples with feelings for an older woman. This dynamic highlights not only the struggles of personal identity and love but also the challenges of familial expectations and grief following the death of their father. The brothers' differing approaches to life and love create a rich tapestry that showcases the diverse experiences of millennial emotions and connections.
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