Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times’ famous punch to the gut (now retired), writes, “dazzling . I found the slightly vague “magic realism” elements of the first book a bit forced, and appreciated instead the raw, sometimes brutal, e. I thought these books were amazing. . They’ve shared their entire life: their childhood in the ‘rione’, their adolescence with their first experiences, their first approach to the university/ job and their maturity wi. The series is based around the characters of Elena and Lila who are two young girls trying to survive in an impecunious part of Naples after the war. However, The Story of the Lost Child is based around the women reuniting and how they manage to get their friendship back on track. The true face behind the name may be reluctant to come forward, but it looks like her work is certainly doing the talking for her anyway. People always like to read stories which they can really relate to and Elena seems to encapsulate this perfectly in her books. I was at times exuberant with joy, righteously angry, frustrated with Lenu and Lila's choices at various points, and especially by Lila's coy reticence. A long, long, LONG and oh, so very detailed account of lives of a lot of very unlikeable people; with intervals of boring political rambling. The story of The Days of Abandonment is about a wife and mother, who finds herself abandoned and destitute by her husband. It was only in the forth book that I found my interest faltering in some chapters, although I was compensated with some of the most intense parts of the whole series, particularly in the section leading up to Tina’s disappearance. They are sophisticated, funny, heartfelt, and sizzling with feminist anger. In other words, these books have made me feel like no book has in some time. Now an HBO series: the first volume in the New York Times–bestselling “enduring masterpiece” about a lifelong friendship between two women from Naples (The Atlantic). In an interview for the Harper's Magazine, Elena Ferrante stated that she considers the four books to be "a sin… We’ve got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day. I was at times exuberant with joy, righteously angry, frustrated with Lenu and Lila's choices at various points, and especially by Lila's coy reticence. I've been so immersed in their stories I feel like a part. . She is the author of seven novels: The Days of Abandonment, Troubling Love, The Lost Daughter, and the quartet of Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child. The series has been characterized as a bildungsroman, or coming-of-age story. Wow. Ferrante is fortunate to have a translator who seems so attuned to her writing. [ I think Alfonso could have had more space to develop her own character, she ended up being there as more of a way to mediate on what it meant to Lenu to be a woman, and how she had missed the possibility of discussing it with her, and considering her brutal and unexplained death I wanted her to have more existence in her own right - for her story to be about herself. . Everyday low … Elena is an important novelist of the Italian generation and last year she even featured on the prestigious New York Times, top 10 Best Books of 2015 for The Story of the Lost Child, which is quite an accolade for any author. The ease of the writing is phenomenal. by Europa Editions. Excellent storytelling is the biggest merit of Ferrante´s writing. Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times’ famous punch to the gut (now retired), writes, “dazzling . Oscar winner Marisa Tomei will narrate the audiobook for Elena Ferrante’s latest novel, The Lying Life of Adults, soon to be a Netflix series. When I first heard the buzz I resolved never to read the collection. And I'm always suspicious of translation. I thought these books were amazing. This was one hell of a read. The story progresses over the series by delving further into the friendship, as the two girls grow into women. Thank God it’s over, I cannot understand all the hype. She writes the Neapolitan Novels series. I just HAD to have the next part by the following day and then the third one and the last one. Elena Ferrante is a pseudonymous Italian novelist. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Elena Ferrante’s “The Lost Daughter,” 2006, which has been (along with her other books) translated into English by Ann Goldstein and published by Europa Editions. Like I said though the dude writes some messed up stuff so be cautious if that sort of thing isn’t your cup of tea. L'amica Geniale, the book by Elena Ferrante at Piu Libri Piu Liberi Publishing Fair at the Convention Center La Nuvola, on December 6, 2017 in Rome, Italy. I vowed not to watch any other episodes - not until I read all 4 books anyhow. The book, the first in Ferrante’s best-selling four-novel Neapolitan Novels series, was released in 2012, and was followed by sequels in 2013, 2014, and 2015. i read one after the other after the other, and lived their lives. October 6th 2015 This tetralogy, written by the Italian writer Elena Ferrante (her identity is not very clear), is a beautiful travel around a indissoluble bond. We may even see more of her books being turned into movies in the future and perhaps some more nominations and awards will be coming her way. Her four-book series of Neapolitan Novels are her most widely known works. What is this creation? I don’t read much horror but I am going to be reading every book Bently has written. . The dude is dark and depraved but his ideas and stories are excellent. . I do my best to make sure the book lists are complete and current, but due to human or machine error while attempting to keep 9000+ authors up to date, the occasional book can be missed or will be listed under an alternate title. Elena’s first novel, Troubling Love, was released in 1992. I needed to find out what was going to happen next, even if just to confirm what was already predictable. I've never read anything quite like this. I've been swept up in these characters' lives for almost two months, and the end leaves me with mixed feelings. The series, which is co-produced with Italian public broadcaster Rai and Fremantle, is based on Elena Ferrante’s novels. Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels are, as she's acknowledged, actually a single 1,700 page novel in four volumes about the lives of and relationship between two girls becoming women in Naples: Lina and Elena. I’ve never read a book, more or less a series, where I had zero attachments to any of the characters but could not put it down. What ostensibly seems like a story of friendship and self discovery becomes a masterpiece on gender, class, leftism, fascism, academia, history, emotion. Recommended Readings. But above all—and what makes them totally unique—is the friendship between Elena and Nina that hums and crackles at the saga’s heart. . A still from the HBO TV series based on Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend. The detail is exquisite and the characters explored with a rare and touching intimacy. While this is an assumption on my part, I have to say that nowhere. I read them all back-to-back very quickly and I can’t wait to read them again. Sadly, their different paths eventually lead to the demise of their relationship, which is a storyline that many people can relate to. While this is an assumption on my part, I have to say that nowhere was I aware of a false note or something effortful or laboured. They deal with a time that I lived through (post WWII: I am almost the same age as Elena), but a society that is totally alien to me. “The waste of intelligence. I was also at times struck with anxiety and a soft sadness. They are riveting in their evocation of Neapolitan life from the fifties to the present day. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. I gave in. Now an HBO series: the first volume in the New York Times–bestselling “enduring masterpiece” about a lifelong friendship between two women from Naples (The Atlantic). Housebound after spinal surgery, I came upon these novels. Buy Neapolitan Novels Series Elena Ferrante Collection 4 Books Bundle (My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, Story of the Lost Child) by Elena Ferrante (ISBN: 9789123473151) from Amazon's Book Store. About the Author: Elena Ferrante was born in Naples. Based on the bestselling series by Elena Ferrante. For now, we can contend with the fact that Elena Ferrante is an enigma and continue enjoying her work without worrying of her identity. It paints the roads and gorges that remain invisible to the, Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels—all four of them—are stunning. The uncondit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading te first part (My Brilliant Friend), I read it in two days late into the night (which I deeply regretted in the following mornings but I just couldn´t help it :). There is more than an air of mystery surrounding the true identity of Elena Ferrante, who has used this pen name on her novels to date, never revealing the true person behind the writing. The only trouble I have is in trying to recommend the series to others - how to even describe something that eludes classification??? Proust? I learned a lot, got curious. The story was also co-written by the director, Mario Martone and was mainly situated in Naples. Is it like Trollope? Building an epic historical saga with a female friendship at its core (instead of, say, a male/male friendship or a male/female romance) is much more radical than it should be. The name Elena Ferrante is a pseudonym, and whoever she really is, she has written the greatest book series of the 2010s, looking back at the century … The division of the body of work in four books serves but practical purposes, without having an impact in the rhythm of the narrative. It was very hard for me to understand the friendship between the two main characters: Lila and Lenù. I've been so immersed in their stories I feel like a part of the neighborhood. Alora. I am late in coming to this party and by now so much interpretive ink has been devoted to the quartet that I am left with only the personal. And feel free to submit your own suggestions via the contact form at the bottom of the page. Ferrante's books, originally published in Italian, have been translated into many languages. Refresh and try again. Each paragraph is crafted with care and many times I reread passages, not just for meaning but for the expression. S ince publication of the first book in 2011, the Neapolitan Novels have made their way into the highest echelon of modern literature. First, I read her "memoir". A community that finds it natural to suffocate with the care of home and children so many women’s intellectual energies is its own enemy and doesn’t realize it.”. Elena Ferrante is the pseudonym of an Italian author of literary fiction. What does it mean and what do I do with it now that I've read it? Insert your e-mail below to start getting these recommendations. This tetralogy, written by the Italian writer Elena Ferrante (her identity is not very clear), is a beautiful travel around a indissoluble bond. There are so many approaches I could take in tiny reviewing the pseudonymous Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels (My Brilliant Friend, 2012; The Story of a New Name, 2013; Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, 2014; The Story of the Lost Child, 2015), so many alleys, filthy or bright, down which to wander poking and sniffing. When I first heard the buzz I resolved never to read the collection. I happened to watch one episode of the HBO series based on the first book. Lila is completely unfo. What is it about the narrative structure of some books that makes them impossible to put down? I decided to read all four, to see what all the hype was about. What is it about the narrative structure of some books that makes them impossible to put down? It is fair to say that despite Elena being a true mystery and the fact that she has only really published a handful of novels, she has enjoyed huge success, both through awards and nominations and the fact that two of her novels have made it into movies. They were violent, and painful, and heartbreaking, interleaved with moments of joyful relief. In addition to the novels listed above, here are a few readings (one by Ferrante herself) that are worth looking at: Ferrante, Frantumaglia: … From a psychological standpoint I found the process of reading these books fascinating. Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? Perhaps the most influential of Ferrante’s novels is the 4 part series which consists of My Brilliant Friend (2012), The Story of a New Name (2013), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2014) and The Story of the Lost Child (2015.). Stunning. To create our... Against the backdrop of a Naples that is as seductive as it is perilous and a world undergoing epochal change, Elena Ferrante tells the story of a sixty-year friendship between the brilliant and bookish Elena and the fiery, rebellious Lila with unmatched honesty and brilliance. The story takes place in Italy, exactly in Naples, in the 1950s and 1960s. Her first novel, Troubling Love was also made into a movie, entitled ‘Nasty Love’ or L’amore Molesto and was released in 1995, also featuring in Cannes Film Festival the same year. The latest novel from world-renowned Italian author Elena Ferrante still isn't out yet in the U.S. but Netflix has some bella notizia to share, regardless. They’ve shared their entire life: their childhood in the ‘rione’, their adolescence with their first experiences, their first approach to the university/ job and their maturity with their families. Italian film and television production company Wildside announced today that it is working with producer Fandango to adapt the Neapolitan novel series by Elena Ferrante… Four books? I've been swept up in these characters' lives for almost two months, and the end leaves me with mixed feelings. The unconditional bond between the characters yet their mutual love and hatred for each other was like a female friendship on steroids - why did they have to be so mean? Elena Ferrante discusses her new novel, returning to Naples, and reexamines the Neapolitan novels in a series of questions submitted from around the world. I read this because Lynn said it was her favorite book series (hi Lynn) but she can’t even remember what happened — classic Lila, right?? Netflix and Italian outfit Fandango are joining forces to develop a series based on The Lying Life Of Adults, the latest novel by Italian novelist Elena Ferrante.. The novels have proved to be a hit with readers from all over the globe and most of this is down to the fact that the stories involve human relationships and feelings. I’d recommend The Store first. Knausgaard? The story takes place in Italy, exactly in Naples, in the 1950s and 1960s. The Neapolitan Novels are a 4-part series by the Italian author Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldstein and published by Europa Editions (New York). I'm heartbroken to be through; it's hardly been two weeks but I almost can't imagine how I went about my life without being able to dip into Naples, cuddled between Elena and Lila. If you see one missing just send me an e-mail below. What is this creation? i was honestly devastated when i finished the last one. I read the whole Neapolital novels in about seven days, with one more book between this first part and the second one, so I had a lovely reading w. Excellent storytelling is the biggest merit of Ferrante´s writing. Start by marking “The Neapolitan Novels” as Want to Read: Error rating book. They are sophisticated, funny, heartfelt, and sizzling with feminist anger. Building an epic historical saga with a female friendship at its core (instead of, say, a male/male friendship or a male/female romance) is much more radical than it should be. The detail is exquisite and the characters explored with a rare and touching intimacy. Thanks! But above all—and what makes them totally unique—is the friendship between Elena and Nina that hums and crackles at the saga’s heart. Proust? This review is for all the books of this series: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, The Story of the Lost Child. I should say these are 4 books. I needed to find out what was going to happen next, even if just to confirm what was already predictable. I found the slightly vague “magic realism” elements of the first book a bit forced, and appreciated instead the raw, sometimes brutal, emotional realism, so perfectly observed, and so heartbreaking. . Absolutely tore through all four novels. From a psychological standpoint I found the process of reading these books fascinating. There are so many approaches I could take in tiny reviewing the pseudonymous Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels (My Brilliant Friend, 2012; The Story of a New Name, 2013; Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, 2014; The Story of the Lost Child, 2015), so many alleys, filthy or bright, down which to wander poking and sniffing. Is it like Trollope? I just HAD to have the next part by the following day and then the third one and the last one. Four books? I am often asked by readers of the site if I accept donations as a “thank you” for the work I put into the site. I was amazed from the beginning to the end. Elena’s true identity is not known, as she believes that “books, once they are written, have no need of their authors.” She was named one of the 100 most influential people on the planet by Time in 2016. She was one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2016. Plus, these characters! This movie also enjoyed a fair bit of success, with five nominations; the David Di Donatello and Sindacato Nazionale Giornalisti Cinematografici Italiani, both in 2006 and a nomination at the Venice Film Festival in 2005. It’s hard to decide whether the mean one or the insecure self-centered whiny one is more annoying. Each month I pick a charity and ask that you support them instead. The title remained the same and the film featured Margherita Buy and Luca Zingaretti. Absolutely astonishing. Netflix is to adapt the Elena Ferrante novel The Lying Life of Adults as a TV series in collaboration with Italian production house Fandango.. It shows the challenges she has to overcome as she tried to life herself from the despair of the situation, so she can start to enjoy life again. a. Alora. Elena is the narrator of the novel and appears to be a clever girl who is no stranger to a bit of hard craft. I was also at times struck with anxiety and a soft sadness. i mourned. stunning . The life dramas are fascinating! The … They were violent, and painful, and heartbreaking, interleaved with moments of joyful relief. Reading these novels has been a journey. Lila is completely unforgettable, and she leaps off the page. Each paragraph is crafted with care and many times I reread passages, not just for meaning but for the expression. The company announced that the second novel in Elena Ferrante’s best-selling Neapolitan series, The Story of a New Name, will be adapted for TV, coming on the heels of HBO and RAI’s production of the saga’s first book, My … Either way, there are bound to be more novels to look forward to in the future from Elena, particularly with the success she enjoyed in 2005. I love these books so much that I want to spend the rest of my life rereading them, circling the text and subtext, drawing ever nearer, mining it endlessly. I think Ferrante is an extremely intelligent and powerful thinker, and that her writing craft improved as she went along. They include the following novels: My Brilliant Friend (2012), The Story of a New Name (2013), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2014), and The Story of the Lost Child (2015). The book also conveys a riveting account of living in a deprived area and how the two girls cope at a young age. Once you have read this novel it is hard to get these lives out of your head, as Ferrante is so good at really drawing you into the world of these two women over the span. To see what your friends thought of this book, yes. I could read Morrison, Pynchon, Chang, and Wallace instead. There were some parts about this series that I loved: I got pulled into the dramatic world that Elena Ferrante opened up to me with the Neapolitan novels and the life of Elena and Lila. They are riveting in their evocation of Neapolitan life from the fifties to the present day. This series had that - all I wanted to do for a few weeks was just read these books at any spare moment. Perhaps some of the appeal of her books is down to the fact that no one really knows how she is and could be a bit of clever marketing, rather than anything to do with the privacy of the author. This is not an autobiography, it is a work about life, and about women's lives in particular. This series had that - all I wanted to do for a few weeks was just read these books at any spare moment. So many pages? Knausgaard? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Every 2 weeks we send out an e-mail with 6-8 Book Recommendations. Without giving too … stunning . Lina is also an intelligent girl with a lot of drive and determination and the characters of the two are captivating. I've never read anything quite like this. Reading these novels has been a journey. When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship. The two have a strong friendship in the beginning, but go on to explore different paths in their lives, with Lila settling down and Elena continuing to find out more about herself and enjoying the journey as she does it. Elena Ferrante is an Italian author that is responsible for the immensely popular ‘Neopolitan’ series of novels. Writers and critics are unanimous in their praise. Each novel takes you into a different time in the girls’ lives, with the first being children, the second in their early 20s and their third mid 20’s to early 30’s and so on as the story unravels. . As you can see from my review of My Brilliant Friend, I liked the first book but found it hard to get in to. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published They also get better as they go along, I wasn't that into the first book but I got hooked by the last line, the second was better and the third and fourth were amazing. Elena Ferrante is a pseudonymous Italian novelist. More so than any other series I have read, Ferrante’s saga feels like a continuum. I got pulled into the dramatic world that Elena Ferrante opened up to me with the Neapolitan novels and the life of Elena and Lila. It is a primitive society where women are a lower life form to be used an discarded, where it is a waste of money to educate daughters, where men habitually beat their women, everybody beats children and violence is the accepted answer to the challenges of d. I loved these books while I was reading them and yet, thinking back, I am not sure what I loved about them. Plus, these characters! I read the whole Neapolital novels in about seven days, with one more book between this first part and the second one, so I had a lovely reading week. Ferrante Fever continues at HBO. Was their brutality toward each other and their loved ones just a natural product of the violence they witnessed in their neighborhood? In other words, these books have made me feel like no book has in some time. But the buzz continued and got louder, became hype. an extraordinary epic.” While Catherine Taylor says in The Literary Review, “A work of pulverizing emotional power and impact.” All true. I thoroughly enjoyed reading te first part (My Brilliant Friend), I read it in two days late into the night (which I deeply regretted in the following mornings but I just couldn´t help it :). I loved these books while I was reading them and yet, thinking back, I am not sure what I loved about them. The amount of topics it touches is broad. I just recently started reading Bentley Little and I am HOOKED. Another of Elena’s novels which made it onto the big screen was The Days of Abandonment or l giorni dell’abbandono. They also get better as they go along, I wasn't that into the first book but I got hooked by the last line, the second was better and the third and fourth were amazing.