My Brilliant Friend is the first book in a series about two friends, Elena and Lila, who grow up in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy. The story starts in the 1950s and follows their lives as they navigate school, family, and their dreams.
Elena is the narrator, and she tells the story of her friendship with Lila, who is incredibly smart and talented. The two girls are very different but share a deep bond. As they grow up, we see their struggles and successes, as well as the challenges they face in their society.
The writing is beautiful and captures the feelings of friendship, jealousy, and love. You can really feel the ups and downs of their lives. The setting in Naples is vivid and brings the story to life.
1. My Brilliant Friend
In this first book, we are introduced to Elena and Lila, two girls growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples during the 1950s. The narrative is told from Elena’s perspective, capturing her admiration and envy of Lila, who is brilliant, fierce, and defies societal expectations. The story beautifully portrays their friendship, filled with both love and rivalry, as they navigate the challenges of their environment, education, and family. Ferrante’s vivid descriptions bring Naples to life, and the themes of identity and ambition resonate deeply. This book sets the stage for their complex relationship and the struggles they will face.
I kept going back to the first page because there are a lot of characters.
“Children don’t know the meaning of yesterday, of the day before yesterday, or even of tomorrow, everything is this, now: the street is this, the doorway is this, the stairs are this, this is Mamma, this is Papa, this is the day, this the night.”
Elena Ferrante,
My Brilliant Friend
2. The Story of a New Name
In the second book, the lives of Elena and Lila take different paths after high school. Lila marries and faces harsh realities in her new life, while Elena pursues her education and begins to discover her own voice as a writer. This book delves into the complications of marriage, class differences, and the longing for personal freedom. As the women confront societal expectations and their own aspirations, their friendship becomes strained. Ferrante skillfully explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the weight of choices, making it a gripping continuation of their story.
3. Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
This third book examines the widening gap between Elena and Lila. Elena moves to the city, seeking independence and success in her career, while Lila remains in Naples, grappling with her struggles and disillusionment. The story highlights the impact of their differing choices on their friendship and personal lives. Ferrante intricately weaves themes of feminism, identity, and the effects of social class into their narratives. As the characters evolve, the tension in their relationship grows, reflecting the complexities of friendship and the pull of their past.
”…maybe, in the face of abandonment, we are all the same; maybe not even a very orderly mind can endure the discovery of not being loved.”
Elena Ferrante
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
4. The Story of the Lost Child
In the final installment, the culmination of Elena and Lila’s journeys unfolds. As they confront the realities of motherhood, love, and loss, both women reflect on their lives and the choices they’ve made. This book brings their stories to a powerful and emotional conclusion, exploring themes of regret, fulfillment, and the enduring bond of friendship. Ferrante’s writing remains poignant, capturing the essence of their intertwined lives as they seek to understand themselves and each other. The ending ties together the series beautifully, leaving readers with a deep sense of connection to the characters.
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante are a profound exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of life. Each book builds on the last, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. Ferrante’s powerful prose and keen observations make this series a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of human relationships and personal growth.
