'The best young novelist - indeed one of the best novelists - I've read in years.' Olivia Laing

'Superb . . . a tremendous read, full of insight and sweetness.' Anne Enright

'One the best novels I have read in years.' Sheila Heti

Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins.

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't.

READ THE BOOK OF THE HIT TV SERIES: THE BBC ADAPTATION OF NORMAL PEOPLE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON BBC IPLAYER AND BBC 1