My Brilliant Friend
A tale of friendship and identity in Naples
Elena Ferrante author Ann Goldstein translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Published:5th Mar '20
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This novel explores the lifelong friendship between Elena and Lila, set against the backdrop of changing Naples. My Brilliant Friend captures their struggles and triumphs beautifully.
In My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante weaves a captivating tale of friendship set against the backdrop of post-war Naples. The novel chronicles the lives of two girls, Elena and Lila, who grow up in a vibrant yet impoverished neighborhood. Their bond is forged in the crucible of their challenging environment, where they learn to navigate the complexities of their world together. As they face the trials of adolescence, their friendship becomes a source of strength and resilience, offering solace amidst the chaos of their surroundings.
The narrative unfolds over decades, capturing not only the intimate details of Elena and Lila's relationship but also the broader socio-political changes occurring in Italy. Ferrante's portrayal of their lives serves as a lens through which readers can explore the evolution of a nation, reflecting on themes of identity, ambition, and the impact of societal expectations. The depth of character development ensures that both women resonate with authenticity, making their joys and struggles profoundly relatable.
My Brilliant Friend is not just a story of two individuals; it is a poignant exploration of the ties that bind us and the ways in which friendship shapes our lives. Ferrante's masterful storytelling invites readers to immerse themselves in the emotional landscape of her characters, leaving a lasting impression long after the final pages are turned.
#1: BEST BOOKS OF THE 21st CENTURY “My Brilliant Friend is entrenched as one of the premier examples of so-called autofiction, a category that has dominated the literature of the 21st century. Reading this uncompromising, unforgettable novel is like riding a bike on gravel: It’s gritty and slippery and nerve-racking, all at the same time." * The New York Times *
“Nothing quite like it has ever been published before . . . Brilliant novels, exquisitely translated.” -- Meghan O'Rourke * The Guardian *
“Elena Ferrante has established herself as the foremost writer in Italy—and in the world.” * The Sunday Times *
“Stunning. An intense, forensic exploration of friendship.” * The TLS *
“To the uninitiated, Elena Ferrante is best described as Balzac meets The Sopranos and rewrites feminist theory.” * The Times *
“Ferrante’s writing seems to say something that hasn’t been said before, in a way so compelling its readers forget where they are, abandon friends and disdain sleep.” -- Joanna Biggs * LRB *
“A modern classic.” * The Times *
"Ferrante confronts female sexual awakening with such an absence of romantic enchantment it leaves you gasping." * The Daily Mail *
"Elena Ferrante is an expert chronicler of adolescence and its many indignities, as well as its erratic, overwhelming passions." * The Observer *
"Ferrante is a hypnotist." * The Spectator *
ISBN: 9781787702226
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
331 pages