My Brilliant Friend

This is a case of literati peer pressure. I read this book because every blog I read and every podcast I listen to mentioned it and I should have noticed that everyone was doing that thing they do when they really don't know what to say about a book....they are telling us what the book is NOT. Well, folks, it's not a space opera and it's not a light read. What I can say is this, I was originally put off by the covers which look like a Photoshop newbie's nightmare of a first attempt.

Here is what I will also say. Parts of this story charmed me. The writing was so good I could see the world in my mind clear as a bell. Sadly, this was not the majority of the parts. Most of this book was me suffering under what I felt was an inordinate amount of repetition. Lenu tells us something, she tells Lila the same thing, Lila tells Rino, etc and it's not important and .....who friggin cares......

Historically, this means nothing to me. At times, it reminded me of Circle of Friends by Binchy-only way meaner.
I think I didn't like Elena and that really dragged the story for me. Who is she even? We don't know! She is whoever Lila tells her she is. Frenemies to the nith degree, I guess.

I probably will not continue on with the series.