Culture chat: ‘Intermezzo’ and the Sally Rooney phenomenon
Sep 27, 2024
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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.
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.
Character Depth and Development
Rooney's characters are portrayed with a level of depth that allows readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The narrative delves into their inner thoughts, showcasing Ivan's awkwardness and longing, as well as Peter's struggles with his romantic entanglements. This intricate character development resonates with readers, evoking empathy for their choices, even when those choices are frustrating. The portrayal of these characters, who are portrayed as both complex and flawed, serves to reflect the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the journey of self-discovery they undergo.
Literary and Cultural Significance
Intermezzo engages with deeper literary and cultural themes, merging contemporary issues with classical influences, which reinforces Rooney's reputation as a significant voice in modern literature. The narrative reflects on millennial culture through the characters' intellectual discussions and references to classical music and literature. This interplay of highbrow and relatable content signals Rooney's awareness of the cultural milieu, creating both a critique of and homage to the literary traditions that have shaped her writing. By exploring the nuanced realities of her characters, Rooney not only solidifies her status in literary circles but also connects with a broader audience navigating similar life experiences.
Today, we discuss the author Sally Rooney. Her new novel Intermezzo was published this week – causing queues outside bookstores, launch parties everywhere and a flurry of praise from critics. Does Intermezzo live up to the hype? Why has Rooney become the voice of the millennial generation? Lilah is joined by the FT’s deputy books editor Laura Battle and Griselda Murray Brown, the FT Magazine commissioning editor and her former co-host of Culture Call.
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We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. We’re on X @lifeandartpod and on email at lifeandart@ft.com. We are grateful for reviews on Apple and Spotify. And please share this episode with your friends!
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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):
– Intermezzo by Sally Rooney is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
– Griselda’s interview with Sally Rooney from 2018 is here, or you can search: ‘Life and Art bonus: Normal People author Sally Rooney’ wherever you listen.
Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart
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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco