Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Book #9 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
I stumbled upon Intermezzo by accident—spotted it in the Kurapae collection at the library—and I’m so glad I took a chance on it. I didn’t know much about the story or the author, but something about the cover called to me. What I found was a beautifully written, completely unique novel that gave my brain something totally fresh to chew on.
What’s it about?
Intermezzo follows two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, navigating life in Dublin after their father's death. Peter, a successful lawyer, is entangled in a love triangle, while Ivan, a former chess prodigy, embarks on a relationship with an older woman. Their stories intertwine, exploring themes of grief, identity, and connection.
Escape Index
World: Grounded and real
Set in Dublin, with just the lightest touch of County charm, the setting feels authentic without being overdone. The quiet, familiar backdrop lets the characters shine.Vibe: Introspective and clever
There’s no murder, no gossip, no melodrama—just smart, compelling writing and a deep dive into two brothers’ inner worlds. It’s emotionally rich without being heavy.Pace: Quietly addictive
The alternating perspectives between the brothers keep the story moving. It’s not a high-stakes page-turner, but I still found myself racing back to it—curious to see what was happening inside their heads.Feels: Honest and surprising
The emotional depth in this story creeps up on you. One brother’s rapid-fire, chaotic mind felt so familiar to me, while the other’s stillness offered contrast. I even laughed out loud a number of times—something I rarely do when reading!Escape: Something delightfully different
Intermezzo is exactly the kind of unexpected literary escape I didn’t know I needed. Thoughtful, tender, and quietly funny—it gave me a whole new perspective on what a novel can be.
“A clever, character-driven gem that’s full of heart, humour, and originality.”
My takeaway
Intermezzo completely surprised me—in the best way. I loved the quiet depth of it, the way the author captured the brothers’ minds and voices so vividly, and how the story gently revealed itself. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of insight and emotion. The alternating perspectives made each chapter feel like a fresh, new lens, and the writing was both sharp and sensitive. A new favourite, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you’re looking for:
a quiet, character-driven story with emotional depth
something smart, original, and unexpected
a literary escape that’s tender, witty, and deeply human
Great for winding down after work, curling up on a rainy weekend, or when you’re craving a story that’s a little bit different.
Want to read it?
It’s a popular read, so place a reservation at Wellington City Libraries, try your luck with their Kurapae collection or grab your copy of Intermezzo from:
The Nile | PaperPlus | Amazon | Unity Books
No commissions—just sharing the joy of a great read.
Let’s chat
Have you read Intermezzo? Did you fall for it too?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or share a similar book recommendation for my 2025 reading list!