Sally Rooney on Love, Care & the ‘Ordinary’: Exploring a Powerful Quote

In a 2018 interview, Irish author Sally Rooney articulated a surprisingly simple view of parenthood, stating, “I suppose I think that having a child is simply the most ordinary thing I can imagine doing. And I want that – to prove that the most ordinary thing about human beings is not violence or greed but love and care. To prove it to whom, I wonder. Myself, maybe.” The quote, reflecting a core tenet of her work, highlights a faith in the fundamental goodness of human nature, a perspective resonating with readers in a world often dominated by narratives of conflict.

Rooney, born in 1991, has rapidly become a defining voice for Millennials and Generation Z. Her novels – Conversations with Friends (2017), Normal People (2018), and Beautiful World, Where Are You – are characterized by their minimalist style and unflinching exploration of modern relationships, class dynamics, and the search for identity. Normal People, in particular, catapulted her to international acclaim, becoming a bestseller and subsequently adapted into a critically lauded television series by the BBC and Hulu.

The success of Normal People, published by Faber & Faber on August 30, 2018, was significant. The novel sold nearly 64,000 copies in hardcover within its first four months of release in the United States, and too found a substantial readership in China, where its coming-of-age themes resonated with younger audiences. The television adaptation, in which Rooney also participated as a writer, broadened her reach even further.

Rooney’s literary journey began with studies in English at Trinity College Dublin, after initially enrolling in a politics program. She excelled academically, becoming a recognized scholar and later earning a master’s degree in literature. Prior to her success as an author, Rooney worked in an administrative role at a restaurant. Her early life was spent in Castlebar, County Mayo, before relocating to Dublin for her education, and she also spent time in New York.

The narrative in Normal People centers on the evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne, two teenagers from different social backgrounds attending secondary school in County Sligo, Ireland, and later, Trinity College Dublin. The novel is set against the backdrop of the post-2008 Irish economic downturn, spanning the years 2011 to 2015. Connell, popular and athletic, is the son of a single mother, while Marianne, intelligent but socially isolated, comes from a wealthy family. Their connection, initially concealed, forms the core of the story, exploring themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and the complexities of human connection.

Rooney’s ability to distill profound emotional truths into simple, direct language is a hallmark of her style. This approach, coupled with her focus on the everyday experiences of her characters, has established her as a significant literary figure, prompting comparisons to other contemporary authors exploring similar themes of modern life and relationships.