Ratings149
Average rating4.1
Now an HBO series: the first volume in the New York Times–bestselling “enduring masterpiece” about a lifelong friendship between two women from Naples (The Atlantic).
Beginning in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, Elena Ferrante’s four-volume story spans almost sixty years, as its main characters, the fiery and unforgettable Lila and the bookish narrator, Elena, become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship. This first novel in the series follows Lila and Elena from their fateful meeting as ten-year-olds through their school years and adolescence.
Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between two women.
Reviews with the most likes.
The first 100 pages or so were a test for me but after that ... yeah.
I don't know where the rest of the story will lead but I'm quite enjoying this unique portrayal of female friendship. It's honest. Even the ugly parts. I'm on board with that.
It's also interesting to see a portrayal of post-war Italy from the view point of children. It reminded me of movies like “Rocco and His Brothers”.
I'll surely continue with this series.
gutting and honest portrayal of intense, homoerotic codependent female friendships. two young girls clinging to eachother trying to survive in an oppressive patriarchal society
Lovely musical prose. The author gives a lot of weight and respect to capturing the intricacies of female feelings & thoughts from a young age.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book when I first came across it; I don't tend to like back/forth storylines however the writing blew my mind. Every page is as enticing and gripping as the previous one. A truly addictive read.
Featured Series
4 primary booksL'amica geniale is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2011 with contributions by Elena Ferrante and Ann Goldstein.
Featured Prompt
2,315 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...