Beautiful World, Where Are You

“Beautiful World, Where Are You” is a novel by Sally Rooney, published in 2021, that further solidifies Rooney’s reputation as a contemporary literary force. Set against the backdrop of Dublin and various European cities, the novel intricately weaves the lives of its four central characters: Alice, a successful novelist; Eileen, her best friend; Felix, a warehouse worker; and Simon, a distant acquaintance of Alice’s. Rooney’s narrative explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic, and delves into the characters’ internal struggles, aspirations, and fears. The novel, like Rooney’s previous works, is characterized by its sharp and incisive prose, tackling themes of love, friendship, politics, and the search for meaning in the modern world. “Beautiful World, Where Are You” not only captures the zeitgeist of its time but also invites readers to reflect on the profound connections and disconnections that define the human experience.