Intermezzo (2024)

Intermezzo is the fourth novel by Irish author Sally Rooney, published by Faber & Faber on 24 September 2024. Set in Dublin and rural Ireland, the novel follows two brothers in the aftermath of their father's death: Ivan, a 22-year-old former chess prodigy who begins a relationship with Margaret, a 36-year-old arts programme director, and Peter, a 32-year-old human rights lawyer navigating complicated relationships with both his younger girlfriend Naomi and his ex-girlfriend Sylvia. The novel explores themes of grief, age-gap relationships, sibling dynamics, and power structures in romantic relationships.

The book was Rooney's first novel to centre on male protagonists and on relationships between men. Rooney developed the story from an initial scene of a chess exhibition at an arts centre, and from watching chess tutorials during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The title "Intermezzo" references both musical interludes and chess terminology.

Released with Faber's "biggest trade campaign ever", the novel became the fastest-selling book in Ireland in 2024. Reviews were largely favourable, particularly of its treatment of grief and of the brothers' relationship. Some reviewers found its tone precious or objected to its treatment of women, while others called it more philosophically ambitious than her earlier novels.

Plot

The novel follows Ivan and Peter Koubek, two brothers living in Dublin, in the weeks after the death of their father. Ivan, a 22-year-old former chess prodigy whose once-promising career has stagnated, meets Margaret Kearns, a 36-year-old arts programme director, during a chess exhibition at a local arts centre. Their interaction develops into a passionate but discreet relationship, despite Margaret's concerns about their age difference.

Meanwhile, Peter, a 32-year-old human rights lawyer, is in a relationship with Naomi, a 23-year-old college student who supplements her income by selling explicit photos online and frequently relies on Peter for financial support. But Peter still harbours unresolved feelings for his close friend and ex-girlfriend Sylvia, a 32-year-old English professor, whose chronic pain following a car accident ended their relationship. Peter attempts to integrate himself into Naomi's social life but feels out of place among her friends. When he learns that Naomi has been arrested for squatting and evicted, he secures her release and invites her to stay at his apartment while she searches for a new home.

As Peter and Ivan meet for dinner, Ivan reveals his relationship with Margaret. Peter expresses disgust at their age gap, angering Ivan, who cuts off all communication. Sylvia confronts Peter over his hypocrisy, pointing out his relationship with Naomi. This prompts Peter to attempt reconciliation with Ivan, but he discovers he has been blocked. Meanwhile, Ivan and Margaret grow closer, professing their love for each other. She shares her past experiences, including a toxic marriage to Ricky, an alcoholic whose possessive behaviour drove them apart. Margaret's mother sided with Ricky during their divorce, a betrayal that deeply affected her; Ivan sympathises with Margaret.

Peter and Sylvia briefly consider rekindling their relationship, but Sylvia's chronic pain complicates physical intimacy. When Peter expresses guilt over his role in Sylvia's life, she rebukes him for using her to cope with his grief over his father's death. As Peter continues to care for Sylvia during a severe episode of her chronic pain, they briefly resume their sexual relationship, which leads Peter to believe Sylvia wants to reunite. He decides to end his relationship with Naomi. But Sylvia rejects Peter's attempt at reconciliation, accusing him of using her as an exit strategy and an excuse to escape his fear of being vulnerable in a new relationship. Embarrassed and chastened, Peter attempts to return to Naomi, who has been staying at his father's house in Kildare since the breakup.

While visiting the Kildare house with his dog, Alexei, Ivan meets Naomi, who reveals Peter's favourable opinion of him despite their estrangement. Naomi also discovers that Peter has not spoken about her to Ivan, deepening her concerns about their relationship. When Peter arrives unexpectedly while Naomi is away, he and Ivan have a heated argument about their father's reliance on Peter as a protector and Peter's history of bullying Ivan. The argument escalates into a physical altercation, leaving Ivan bloodied.

Seeking solace, Ivan confides in Margaret, revealing his struggles with grief and his rift with Peter. Moved by Ivan's vulnerability, Margaret declares her need for his love, and Ivan reassures her of his commitment to their relationship. Meanwhile, Peter returns to his apartment, where Sylvia and Naomi confront him about his behaviour. Sylvia apologises for misleading Peter into believing she wanted to reconcile romantically, while Naomi accuses him of sexual exploitation. Sylvia proposes an unconventional arrangement, suggesting that the three of them maintain connections in a way that accommodates their respective needs. Peter agrees, settling into a routine of domestic life with Naomi while spending evenings with Sylvia.

When Ivan shows promise of reviving his chess career, Peter attends one of his tournaments, where he meets Margaret. She intercedes on Peter's behalf, facilitating a reconciliation between the brothers. Ivan and Peter affirm their mutual respect and agree to reunite for Christmas.

Background

The initial inspiration for Intermezzo came from Rooney imagining a simultaneous exhibition of chess at a small-town arts centre in western Ireland, where a woman working at the centre would observe a young chess player. After writing this scene, Rooney developed the character of Ivan, but found herself "stuck" until she realised Ivan had an older brother, Peter. This realisation provided the novel's central relationship and convinced her to proceed with the book.