My Brilliant Friend

Book One : Childhood, Adolescence [Neapolitan -- book one]

by Elena Ferrante

Paperback, 331 pages

English language

Published Nov. 28, 2012 by Europa Editions.

ISBN:: 978-1-60945-078-6
OCLC Number:: 1044419046

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(4 reviews)

From one of Italy's most acclaimed authors, comes this ravishing and generous-hearted novel about a friendship that lasts a lifetime. The story of Elena and Lila begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets the two girls learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else, as their friendship, beautifully and meticulously rendered, becomes a not always perfect shelter from hardship. Ferrante has created a memorable portrait of two women, but My Brilliant Friend is also the story of a nation. Through the lives of Elena and Lila, Ferrante gives her readers the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country undergoing momentous change. --front flap

1 edition

sifuCJC reviewed My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante ([Neapolitan -- book one])

An extremely engaging character and book

5 stars

I had thought this novel was light (I'm not sure why, the name, the cover?). It definitely is not. It's about dealing with social violence and even psychopathy, all while growing up.

But it's written so well. And the narrator's friend is a character for the ages.

Be ready to read the next in the series; this book ends on what felt to me like an inciting incident of a climax. Not exactly a cliff-hanger, but I need to continue.

I had thought this novel was light (I'm not sure why, the name, the cover?). It definitely is not. It's about dealing with social violence and even psychopathy, all while growing up.

But it's written so well. And the narrator's friend is a character for the ages.

Be ready to read the next in the series; this book ends on what felt to me like an inciting incident of a climax. Not exactly a cliff-hanger, but I need to continue.