An emotionally stunted man and his seemingly autistic brother struggle to relate to each other in the wake of their father’s death.

Intermezzo, the latest from Sally Rooney, was a nominee for favorite fiction in the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, although I can’t imagine why.  When I first read Rooney 2 1/2 years ago, I said, “I don’t think I’m going to be running out to see what else Rooney has to offer.”  I wish I had remembered that, because this was a slog to get through.  It was easily the closest I’ve come to giving up on a book in years.  Oh well, I guess it’s on to better things.