Intermezzo- a brilliant move in the game of chess

Intermezzo is the fourth novel written by Sally Rooney, following Normal People, Beautiful World, Where Are You, and Conversations with Friends.

Intermezzo focuses on grief, family, love and the relationship between 2 brothers, Peter and Ivan, after the death of their father.

Peter Koubeck is a 32-year-old lawyer, and his younger brother Ivan is a 22-year-old former chess prodigy. Things are turbulent between Peter and Ivan.

Peter has a complicated love relationship, and Ivan is socially awkward and falls in love with Margaret, a 36-year-old woman separated from her husband.

Despite the massive age gap, they click with each other. They develop a deep and passionate relationship that helps Ivan gain confidence and emotional connection.

Peter, on the other hand, has a complicated relationship with 2 women, Sylvia and Naomi. Sylvia is his former long-term partner, whom he still loves, and Naomi is a younger college student with whom he has a troubled relationship.

The novel, more than resolving romantic puzzles, is about emotional growth. As the two brothers get involved with each other, their relationship changes for the better. They understand each other better, suggesting the possibility of reconciliation and healing.

The novel shows how grief reshapes identity and relationships.

How Rooney delves deep into the human psyche is remarkable. She develops the characters of Peter and Ivan in a complete and wholesome manner, making the reader understand why they are as they are! Rooney captures the inner lives of the characters in a captivating and precise manner.

The writing style of the novel is unique. Rooney gets inside the character’s head as she follows through the stream of consciousness.

Love is the primary theme in the novel. Rooney shows how love is not a temporary thing but a continuous act of attention and care.

However, Intermezzo is not without its flaws. Critics are of the view that the male characters were more fully developed than the female characters, who were not explored in as much detail.

The novel’s slow pace and introspective style may also test readers looking for a more conventional narrative.

However, despite the shortcomings, Intermezzo is a great novel talking about loss, love and forgiveness. It shows Rooney’s command over developing full and thorough human relationships.

Intermezzo has been acclaimed as Rooney’s best work so far, accomplished and emotionally resonant.

The novel has been rated at 4/5 on Goodreads. A 2024 novel, it has been selected as a nominee for readers’ favourite fiction in 2024.

To sum up, Intermezzo is an exquisitely moving story about grief, love and loss by the Irish author, Sally Rooney. It is a must-read. Different, coherent and comprehensive, the book is a deep insight into characters and relationships.

Intermezzo, as the name suggests, is a book about how moves in chess mirror life transitions.

Hats off to the author for coming up with a beautiful and heart-wrenching book! Kudos!