My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; Hillary Huber, narrator; translated by Ann Goldstein If you are a reader who becomes attached to the characters of the books you read, this is a winner for you because it is part one in a series of four books about the evolution of a friendship between two girl...
Such a great book. It tells of how grinding poverty and toxic masculinity limit and crush the lives of those living in it. This is a reread, as I'd read it a few years ago in a Danish translation. This passage summarises what happens when poverty limits the possibilities of those living under it:...
My Brilliant Friend written by Elena Ferrante and translated by Ann Goldstein is the first in a quartet, documenting a friendship between Elena and Lila. Told from Elena's perspective, this book is a child's view of childhood and her community with an undercurrent of sadness running through it. Havi...
The quintessential frenemy story. My Brilliant Friend popped up on my radar from a few directions and I was genuinely curious, and glad I checked it out. This book did two important things. One, it took me to a setting that was equal parts terrifying and romantic. Two, it upended the sweet-girl-frie...
No point writing much, considering how many people have already reviewed it. So I'll just say that I enjoyed it; Ferrante's account of all those first childhood emotions and insecurities reminded me of my childhood. Looking forward to reading the next volume.
I first became interested in this book and series after reading an article in the New York Times Book Review that incorporated passages from the text(s). The portrait of friendship between women and no-nonsense yet elegant writing drew me in, and, after reading My Brilliant Friend, both remain my fa...
“I am made and remade continually. Different people draw different words from me.” So said Virginia Woolf and this, the forging of identity in relationship, is very much the theme of Elena Ferrante’s compelling novel. Elena, the narrator of the novel, is in first grade when we first meet her. She li...
I purchased this book based on all the great reviews on the blogs I follow and decided to save it for vacation just knowing it was going to enjoy it thoroughly. The story of childhood friends Elena and Lila growing up in the 1950's in Naples, Italy tells of their ongoing competition they held thro...
I loved reading this book. The writing was beautiful (which requires a nod to the translator, Ann Goldstein, who made the English so natural I forgot it was a translation by the middle of the first paragraph), and the story was amazing. Elena Ferrante is ridiculously talented. She laid out the stron...
This is an excellent series, unlike anything else I’ve read. Please ignore the awful Wal-Mart covers and lame titles; Ferrante writes vibrant, high-quality literary fiction that in no way resembles its packaging. These books tell the story of two girls (later women) who grow up together in a poor ...
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