The cast of ‘Conversations with Friends’ is working on a book adaptation

Following in the footsteps of her book-turned-television hit “Normal People,” an adaptation of Irish author Sally Rooney’s debut novel “Conversation with Friends” premieres this weekend.

Frances and Bobbi, played by Alison Oliver and Sasha Lane, meet older married couple Melissa and Nick, played by Jemima Kirke and Joe Alwyn, at a Dublin poetry night. As their lives become intertwined, the story follows their various relationships.

Reuters spoke with the actors about the series, which will premiere on the BBC and Hulu on May 15, and how they plan to please fans of the book.

The excerpts below have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What is the series’ central discussion?

Oliver says: “What I took away from the book was that you can’t really control (things)… control is important to Frances, and she realises she can’t control who she loves or how many people she loves. You simply adore them and hope for the best. That’s a really interesting message and journey they’re all on, in my opinion.”

Q: Did you feel pressed to please book fans?

Alwyn says: “It’s nice to be a part of something… that people adore, of course… but there are nerves because you want to do justice to the book and characters that people adore. But there is also excitement and a sense of privilege in being asked to be a part of (it), which means a lot. You must put your nerves aside, at least while making it.”

Lane’s: “It’s a show based on a book… they’re not the same thing. You had real people acting these out, taking emotions that are written down or not even fully expressed… it’s through Frances’ perspective and you’re writing in that way, and then you put it into a show where these characters are actually included. It’s just a completely different animal.”

Q: Did you face any unexpected challenges while filming?

Kirke says, “Being a mother and an actor is a difficult combination that is rarely discussed, especially as a single mother. It’s not even a thing. It is impossible to excel at both. One thing is always missing on one side… I’ve probably spent six or seven weeks away from my kids, and the only other mothers I know who do that are army moms.”