Normal People Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland; but the similarities end there. In school; Connell is popular and well-liked; while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins. Normal People is a story of mutual fascination; friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond; in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't.