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My Brilliant Friend

331 pages, 2012

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description
In My Brilliant Friend, one of Italy's most acclaimed authors masterfully tells the story of Elena and Lila, two women whose friendship is inextricably linked to the history of a neighborhood, a city, and a country. Through her compassionate and honest prose, Ferrante explores the nature of friendship; in so doing, she brings to life the people who have influenced this friendship and those who will be influenced by it, including her readers.
The Power of Female Friendship

Elena Ferrante beautifully explores the complex and powerful bond between two girls, Elena and Lila. Their friendship is a central theme in My Brilliant Friend. It's a relationship that shapes their lives, for better or worse. You'll see how they support, challenge, and sometimes hurt each other.

The Influence of Environment

The book takes us to a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy. Ferrante shows us how the environment we grow up in can shape our lives. The characters' actions and decisions are often influenced by their surroundings. It's a great reminder to look at our own environment and see how it affects us.

The Struggle for Education

Education is a key theme in My Brilliant Friend. Elena, one of the main characters, struggles to continue her education in a society that doesn't value it for women. This book will make you appreciate the value of education and inspire you to never stop learning.

The Complexity of Human Relationships

Ferrante doesn't shy away from showing the messy, complicated side of human relationships. From family dynamics to romantic relationships, she explores it all. You'll find yourself relating to the characters and their struggles, making you reflect on your own relationships.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

My Brilliant Friend is also a journey of self-discovery for the characters. As they navigate through life, they learn more about themselves and each other. Ferrante encourages us to dig deep into our own self-discovery journey and understand ourselves better.

Quotes 4

My Brilliant Friend is a large, captivating, amiably peopled bildungsroman.

John PowersJohn Powers - Film Critic

Ferrante’s novels are intensely, violently personal, and because of this they seem to dangle bristling key chains of confession before the unsuspecting reader.

James WoodJames Wood - Literary Critic

Ferrante’s fictions are fierce, unsentimental glimpses at the way a woman is constantly under threat, her identity submerged in marriage, eclipsed by motherhood, mythologised by desire.

Roxana RobinsonRoxana Robinson - Novelist

Ferrante’s accomplishment in these novels is to make extreme emotion seem normal, even inevitable.

Joan AcocellaJoan Acocella - Journalist
John PowersJames WoodRoxana RobinsonJoan Acocella

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