Rooney has graced us with - dare I say it - her greatest opener of any of her releases thus far.

Intermezzo is one of those titles, the minute you know it's on a release schedule, you're counting down to it and the sampler has not disappointed. Rooney's characters, plot points, insights into the human experience, pacing, language, are all exquisite, a feat given how incredible her previous releases have been.

The complexity of Peter, Sylvia and Noami's situation, which to some could feel simply resolved, juxtaposed by the naivety and simplicity of Ivan and Margaret's storyline, which, even they explore, can become unnecessarily, or necessarily, complex, are two beautiful narratives I'm already invested in after only 50 pages. There's a parallelism transcendent of the usual language in both narratives inciting intrigue, query, care, and a whole host of strong emotions - something Rooney seemingly conjures with ease in every novel she crafts.

It's safe to say this sampler has done what a sampler should do and I, for one, am grateful for the Waterstones early opening times on release day to get myself down and purchase this such-to-be masterpiece. In my reading, there will be no Intermezzo, that's for sure!

Sally Rooney is so back.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to request an advanced copy of Intermezzo all year and although this was just a sampler, it has only added to the excitement for release day in a few weeks!

It’s early days but from the few chapters I’ve read, this could be my favourite Rooney novel yet, roll on September 24th!

Very excited for this sample from the upcoming novel by Salley Rooney. Highly enjoyed Normal People so this is very exciting!