Conversations with Friends

novel by Rooney

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July 23, 2026

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Conversations with Friends is the debut novel by Irish author Sally Rooney, published in 2017. The novel centers on Frances, a college student, and her affair with an older, married actor. It explores how complex relationships can contribute to personal and political identity development. Rooney's work often delves into themes of class inequality, intimacy, art, and politics in the 21st century, earning her the label "the first great millennial novelist". The novel was adapted into a television series in 2022, with Rooney serving as an executive producer.12

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Sally Rooney
Conversations with Friends
Conversations with Friends, Rooney’s first published novel, debuted in 2017. It tells the story of a college student, Frances, and her affair with an older married actor. The novel highlights the ways in which complex interpersonal relationships can help people develop their individual and political…
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Conversations with Friends, Rooney’s first published novel, debuted in 2017. It tells the story of a college student, Frances, and her affair with an older married actor. The novel highlights the ways in which complex interpersonal relationships can help people develop their individual and political…
Read More

Irish literature
The 21st century
…debut as a novelist with Conversations with Friends. In 2018 she published Normal People, which made her a literary star. The story of an intense relationship between two people of different social classes, Normal People tapped into topical discussions about class inequality, patriarchy, intimacy, and identity.
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…debut as a novelist with Conversations with Friends. In 2018 she published Normal People, which made her a literary star. The story of an intense relationship between two people of different social classes, Normal People tapped into topical discussions about class inequality, patriarchy, intimacy, and identity.
Read More