Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney captivates with its richly developed characters and incisive exploration of relationships and existential angst. However, some reviewers find its introspective narrative slow-paced and less engaging compared to Rooney's previous works. Overall, it remains a compelling, thought-provoking read.

A reader who would enjoy Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney is likely interested in contemporary literary fiction that explores complex relationships and societal issues. If you appreciate introspective narratives and nuanced character development similar to those in Normal People by Rooney herself or Conversations with Friends, this book will be compelling.

Beautiful World, Where Are You follows best friends Alice and Eileen as they navigate their complex relationships and personal struggles. Alice, a successful novelist, grapples with her mental health and burgeoning relationship with Felix, while Eileen, an editorial assistant, rekindles a complicated romance with Simon. Through philosophical correspondence and daily life challenges, the friends explore meaning, love, and the beauty within a collapsing world. The book addresses mental health and sexual content.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Emotional / Romantic / Bittersweet

- Beautiful World, Where Are You debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list for hardcover fiction following its release, showcasing Sally Rooney's continued popularity. 
- The title Beautiful World, Where Are You is inspired by a line from a poem by 18th-century German poet Friedrich Schiller, reflecting the novel's themes of searching for meaning and connection. 
- Ahead of its release, Beautiful World, Where Are You received substantial anticipation, with over 50,000 copies sold in the UK on its first day, making it one of the biggest book launches of the year.

**Alice Kelleher**  
A 29-year-old famous novelist living in the Irish countryside who previously endured a mental health crisis. She grapples with her public image and prefers to intellectualize her feelings, often retreating into correspondence with her friend Eileen.

**Eileen Lydon**  
A 29-year-old editorial assistant based in Dublin with a working-class background, previously known for her popularity in university. She shares a close friendship with Alice and navigates her personal relationships while contemplating life ambitions.

**Felix Brady**  
A 29-year-old warehouse worker from Dublin with a charismatic yet quick-tempered demeanor. He meets Alice through a dating app and offers a contrasting perspective with his working-class background.

**Simon Costigan**  
A 34-year-old legal consultant involved in international human rights, noted for his handsome appearance and formal text message style. He shares a historical bond with Eileen from their childhood and has a profound sense of moral duty.

Sally Rooney

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Rooney’s novel about love and friendship explores sexuality, Marxism, and feminism. Learn more with this Beautiful World, Where Are You summary.

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Chapters 1-5

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Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Beautiful World, Where Are You Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

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Beautiful World, Where Are You

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