When Normal People first graced our tv screens, those who read the book were delighted at what was to come, and those who didn’t were intrigued to see how the Connell and Marianne’s relationship. Since then, it’s been the gift that keeps on giving; from Connell’s chain to the sketches on RTÉ Does Comic Relief.
Now, Paul who plays heartthrob Connell is back, and this time it’s to read a passage of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. For Florence Welch’s Instagram book club, Between Two Books, Paul read where Connell and Marianne meet in Trinity College for the first time.
“‘Alright,’ says Connell, ‘hi.’ Instantly, unbelievably, Marianne’s face breaks into a gigantic smile, exposing her crooked front teeth.”
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“She’s wearing lipstick. Everyone is watching her now. She has been speaking, but she stopped to stare at him. ‘Jesus Christ,’ she says, ‘Connell Waldron, from beyond the grave.'”
“He coughs, and in a panic to appear normal, says, ‘When did you take up smoking?’ To Gareth, to her friends, she adds, ‘We went to school together.'” he continues.
As well as partaking in online book clubs, Paul also recently read for Save The Children, Elmer and Super El. Sharing the video, Paul wrote, “As the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, children’s lives are being turned upside down.”
“By donating to Save with Stories, you can support the most vulnerable families in the UK and around the world by helping to provide early learning packs, supermarket vouchers, essential household items and virus protection.”
You can hear the reading below, and check out how to donate to the good cause too.
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