INTERMEZZO (INGLÉS)

Mª Rosa Criado Cañuelo

06/08/2025

Bolsillo

This is the second Rooney's novel that I have the incredible chance of reading (after Normal People) and I can stress that her gist has very much developed at the backdrop of 'Intermezzo'. Not only does Rooney perpetuate Wilde's Irish literary genius, but also she makes a case for the current social scenario when it comes to emotional struggling among the 20/30-year-old population niche. Ivan and Peter will always enjoy a particular place within my heart, for they have allowed me to reflect on the extreme difficulty of social relationships. While we can blame others for being harmful to our own minds, we can perform the very same actions to others and inflict this harm unawares. Little do we realise about the importance of feelings, emotions and art for improving our wellbeing when, in fact, we are extremely severe with ourselves. This is highlighted as a subproduct of social conformism, being the self-care and inner joy neglected. As it is shown, being lost is acceptable; taking a break sometimes is okay; thinking differently than in the past is normal; and overcoming stereotypes for our peace of mind is an act of bravery. With all, Rooney once again makes an outstanding case for letting our emotions flow regardless of the controversial social background surrounding us all. This exercise of emotional analysis can be deemed a benchmark of this author, who urges us to stop and go beyond what is being asserted by society with scarce critical thinking