Sally Rooney, an Irish novelist celebrated for her works like 'Normal People', dives deep into her literary world. She candidly discusses the pressures and mental struggles before releasing a book, emphasizing the challenge of detaching from public opinion. Rooney examines the complexities of masculinity in her characters while reflecting on the impact of fame and the stress of adaptations of her novels. She reveals the balancing act between artistic integrity and societal expectations, sharing insights on the joys of literary creation and the anticipation of new works.

Sally Rooney, a prominent Irish novelist, shares her compelling insights on career growth and the complexities of public persona. She discusses her emotional journey during the pre-publication phase and the importance of allowing readers to form their own opinions. Rooney also delves into the dynamics of gender representation in her work, the challenges of writing intimate scenes, and the weight of societal expectations on young women. With authenticity and introspection, she reflects on the enriching connection between her life and her characters.

This week, we've dusted off a little gem from our archives. Gris spoke to the writer Sally Rooney in 2018, just before her bestselling novel Normal People was published in the UK. It went on to win tremendous acclaim, prizes and the hearts of many readers. Fast-forward eighteen months, and Rooney's tale of passionate young love has been turned into a gripping 12-part TV series on the BBC and Hulu. It's all we can talk about: Marianne, Connell — and Connell's neck chain. But what were the origins of the novel? And what does it have to say about sex, class and power?We love hearing from you. Have you watched Normal People? How do you think it compares to the book? Email us at culturecall@ft.com or tweet us at @FTCultureCall. Also, we're still collecting your cultural recommendations: what are you watching, reading and doing at home? Fill out our short form at ft.com/culturecallout, or record a short voice note on your phone and email it to us. You can also find us on Instagram at @griseldamurraybrown and @lilahrap.Recommended links: –Sign up for the FT's Coronavirus Business Update newsletter and get free access to our journalism for 30 days: www.ft.com/culturecallcovid –Our colleague Horatia Harrod interviews film-maker Lenny Abrahamson about adapting Normal People (paywall): https://www.ft.com/content/c590914c-8870-11ea-a01c-a28a3e3fbd33 –You know it's a phenomenon when a BuzzFeed writer digs deep into Spotify to unearth Sally Rooney's playlists for Connell and Marianne: https://www.buzzfeed.com/tatianatenreyrowhitlock/normal-people-playlists –The FT's book review of Normal People (2018): https://www.ft.com/content/00461b64-b504-11e8-a1d8-15c2dd1280ff  –Neck chain hottake 1: 'Why Are Those Little Neck Chains So Sexy?': https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/bvgwp8/normal-people-connell-silver-chain –Neck chain hottake 2: 'Is This the Sexiest Thing About Normal People?': https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/why-is-normal-people-connells-chain-so-hot.html –'Normal people takes sex seriously': https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/arts/television/normal-people-hulu.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally Rooney, a literary sensation known for her keen insights into modern relationships, joins Laura Hackett, Deputy Literary Editor at The Times. They delve into the cultural phenomenon that is Rooney's work, noting how her latest novel 'Intermezzo' explores complex familial dynamics amidst grief. The conversation also tackles Rooney's controversial decision regarding a Hebrew translation amid political tensions. Throughout, they reflect on the profound impact her narratives have on millennials navigating emotional and economic struggles.

Ann Manov, a literary critic known for her insights into contemporary fiction, shares her thoughts on Sally Rooney’s latest work. Rachel Kushner, an acclaimed author, joins the conversation to discuss her novel 'Creation Lake,' highlighting its complex female protagonist and moral ambiguity. The dialogue delves into the philosophical themes woven into these narratives, particularly justice and cultural critique. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own literary opinions amid the buzz surrounding new releases.