For my third and final entry I wanted to look into both the book and the show to establish the differences – or if there even are any. I do just want to address the joy I get from seeing words on a page become a successful show. The way my imagination is able to ‘come to life’ is one of my favourite aspects of book adaptations but sometimes the process from book to screen means changes in the storyline…
One of the main ‘differences’ is the way we, as viewers instead of readers, are let into the unspoken dynamic of Marianne and Connell’s relationship. Through the visuals of a show it’s obviously easier to portray certain feelings and silence without stating it directly. Below is an edit of a scene from the show with the words from the book overlaid which shows us the true differences, even though they are subtle.
@mariannesheridans your sign to read the book #normalpeople #normalpeopleedit #marianneandconnell #mariannesheridan #connellwaldron #paulmescal #sallyrooney #booktok
Another of the changes from book to to screen is when Connell pours his heart out to Marianne over the phone. From reading the book, I know this phone call happens but what he says is the missing piece.
I don’t think one beats the other, I think they both perfectly express Normal People.