

The Girl with Bangs (2001) by Zadie Smith
Description
A twenty-year-old narrator recounts his intense, messy affair with Charlotte Greaves, a captivating but chaotic college student. Initially drawn to her distinctive bangs and unconventional allure, she idealizes her despite her disorganization and promiscuity. Their relationship begins after her Belgian boyfriend, Maurice, leaves for Thailand. The narrator describes their squalid, intimate world and her blind devotion, even as Charlotte proves to be bad news. Maurice eventually returns, intending to marry Charlotte, leading to a confrontation where Charlotte admits her infidelity. Surprisingly, Maurice still marries her, highlighting the narrator's disillusionment with her romantic ideals and the enigmatic nature of attraction. Comparable works include Normal People by Sally Rooney