TL;DR
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante chronicles the intense, lifelong friendship between two women, Lila and Elena, from a poor neighborhood in Naples, starting in the 1950s.
What is My Brilliant Friend about
My Brilliant Friend is the first novel in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Quartet. It begins in the 1950s in a vibrant but impoverished neighborhood in Naples and spans almost sixty years. The story revolves around the complex friendship between two women, Lila and Elena. Lila is fiery and unforgettable, while Elena is the bookish narrator. The novel covers their lives from childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood, detailing how their friendship evolves as they navigate the transformative societal changes around them. Ferrante's work is a rich, intimate portrayal of female friendship, social dynamics, and the struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world.
My Brilliant Friend 5 Key Takeaways
Meeting and Early Friendship
Lila and Elena meet as ten-year-olds in a poor neighborhood in Naples. Their bond forms quickly, marked by a mix of admiration, competition, and deep affection.
School Years
The girls excel academically, but their paths diverge as Lila is pulled out of school to work in her family's shoe shop, while Elena continues her education, shaping their future dynamics.
Adolescence and Love
As they grow older, both girls navigate the complexities of adolescence, including romantic entanglements, societal expectations, and personal ambitions, which further complicates their relationship.
Struggles and Aspirations
Lila's sharp intellect and rebellious spirit lead her to challenging societal norms, while Elena's academic pursuits take her beyond the confines of their neighborhood, creating a geographical and emotional distance between them.
Marriages and Transformations
The novel concludes with both women entering marriages that reflect their differing choices and circumstances. These marriages are crucial in shaping their future identities and the evolution of their friendship.
Top My Brilliant Friend Quotes
- 'She and I had to make ourselves up from scratch.'
- 'I feel no nostalgia for our childhood: it was full of violence.'
Who should read My Brilliant Friend?
This book is ideal for readers interested in deep character studies and the complexities of female relationships. It will especially resonate with those who appreciate nuanced storytelling that intertwines personal and societal transformations.
My Brilliant Friend Best Reviews
- 'An intoxicatingly furious portrait of enmeshed friends.' —Entertainment Weekly
- 'Spectacular.' —Maureen Corrigan, NPR’s Fresh Air
- 'Captivating.' —The New Yorker
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My Brilliant Friend FAQs
What is My Brilliant Friend book about?
My Brilliant Friend is about the lifelong friendship between two women from a poor neighborhood in Naples, spanning almost sixty years and detailing their personal and societal transformations.
Is My Brilliant Friend worth reading?
Yes, the book is praised for its rich character development and captivating narrative, making it a compelling read despite being character-driven rather than plot-driven.
How many books are in My Brilliant Friend series?
The series includes four books: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child.