Dublin author Sally Rooney, 27, wins Waterstone's yearbook

A love story about a young Irish novelist nicknamed "Salinger for the Snapchat Generation" was crowned book of the year 2018 by the bookseller Waterstones.

Normal People, Sally Rooney's second book, 27 years old, was chosen by the chain's staff based on the most recommended work by clients this year.

The novel focuses on the interlocking relationships between teenage girls Connell and Marianne and the development of their friendship and romance as the two men adapt to new roles while continuing their studies at Trinity College in Dublin.

Former champion and European scholar at Trinity College in Dublin, Rooney's wit and sharp observation of society has earned her favorable comparisons with JD Salinger, author of the clbadic 1951 Catcher in the Rye on an unhappy teenager. .

Waterstones has stated that Normal People positions Miss Rooney among the best novelists at work today.

Bea Carvalho, Waterstones fictional buyer, said: "We are delighted to name Normal People our book of the year.

"It's a modern, universally relatable love story that is emotionally shocking: we all fell in love with it. His flawless honesty, characterization and unparalleled humor.

"The narration concentrating almost solely on the intense relationships between its two central characters, is a very accessible reading, but its pages contain a surprising depth.

"Normal people will please everyone, it's a huge hit with our customers and we can not wait to recommend it to many others, like our 2018 Book of the Year."

The prize is awarded based on the votes of the Waterstones staff, who names the work that he most loved recommending to book lovers throughout the year.

Miss Rooney has received an unprecedented number of bookseller nominations, being one of the favorites since last year 's publication of her first well received novel, Conversations with Friends.

Normal People is a bestseller at Waterstones since its publication in August.

He triumphed over rival preselected titles, including All I know about the love of journalist Dolly Alderton, policy badyst political commentator Isabel Hardman, Why We Get the Wrong Politicians, and the legal briefing anonymously, The Secret Barrister.

Miss Rooney said, "I want to thank Waterstones booksellers for supporting this novel with all their heart.

"In the production of books, the work of the booksellers – as well as that of the deliverymen, the workers of the paper mills, the composers, the correctors, & c. – is just as important as the work of writers.

"That's why I want to thank, if I can, all the people who worked so hard for writing and publishing this novel. I am very touched by this honor.

Philip Pullman's Belle Sauvage, Christmas number 1 and one of the best sellers of 2017, won the award last year.

Normal People was also selected for the Booker Prize and was named novel of the year at the Irish Book Awards earlier this week.