Photo by Isabel Dunn '27
Isabel Dunn ’27
Staff Writer
Sally Rooney released her latest novel, “Intermezzo,” on Tuesday, Sept. 24. In celebration, the Odyssey Bookshop held a launch event for those who preordered the book. Along with the novel, readers were treated to refreshments, themed collectible items and a raffle for a larger giveaway.
The event, which ran from 4:30-5:30 p.m., began with a book collection. A mix of Mount Holyoke students and other community members who had pre-ordered copies of the book arrived at the front of the store and were presented with signed first editions.
The rest of the event took place near the young adult section of the bookstore, where a table was set up with various “Intermezzo”-themed goods. The cover of the book is yellow and depicts a chessboard with several characters casting shadows in the shape of chess pieces. Inspired by the cover design, several yellow foods, including lemonade and sugar cookies with lemon icing, were passed out.
Also featured on the table were various giveaway items. Stickers and pencils with the book’s logo on them were available for free, as were a limited number of Baggu bags sporting the “Intermezzo” design and enamel pins in the shape of chess pieces.
Throughout the event, customers were encouraged to write down their names and phone numbers to enter a raffle for a grand Sally Rooney-themed prize. The gift bag consisted of each of the aforementioned prizes, as well as a puzzle and a signed hardcover copy of Sally Rooney’s third novel, “Beautiful World, Where Are You.”
Robin Glossner, the adult events coordinator for the Odyssey Bookshop, was pleased with the turnout. The “Intermezzo” event was the first book launch that she had planned since taking up the position in 2021, but she already has plans for the future.
“The saddest thing is to throw a party and have no one come … But we’re excited. We’ve got another [event] coming up for the book called ‘Onyx [Storm],’” Glossner said in an interview with Mount Holyoke News.
“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros is the third of five installments in the “Wings of Fire” series, popularized by the first book, “Fourth Wing.” “Onyx Storm” releases on Jan. 21, 2025 and is available for preorder now.
Glossner also emphasized the importance of preordering books. “I’m really trying to encourage people to preorder because it helps us know how many [books] to stock. It helps the authors. It helps everybody,” she said.
When asked for her thoughts on the novel, Glossner had glowing reviews. “I have read it, and I’ve loved it. I have to say, it is my favorite Sally Rooney ever. I read ‘Conversations with Friends’ and ‘Normal People,’ and I thought they were okay. … This one felt more mature. It was an exploration of grief and love and family, and it rang so true,” Glossner said.
The novel follows two brothers, Peter and Ivan, shortly after the death of their father. The two young men lead very different lives, but both are struggling to find a sense of purpose. Peter is grappling with two complicated relationships with women from his past and present, and Ivan, a chess prodigy, is finding his footing in the world with a newfound sense of maturity.
“I’m glad we’re putting it in the hands of people. I think they’ll love it,” Glossner said.
Karishma Ramkarran ’27 contributed fact-checking.