so-soThere is a gradual growing up in this book, a softening of edges, a looking back at the past both with frank disbelief and a flat lack of surprise. Of course this is where you find yourself. Is it: there is so much you can achieve in a single life? Or, only so much that you can. In making it unclear which, this book is neither disheartening nor inspiring.
I feel some kinda way about disliking this book that is so well-liked. I missed something. Not sure what it was. It was way up there on the New York Times Best Books of the Century (something like that). My Brilliant Friend was #1.
panFinished this last book in the Quartet but it was a challenge.In a lot of ways, I could not make it all make sense, asking myself, What is the point? This book focused on Elena‘s life & not on the toxic relationship between her and Lila. Her life was horrid and she was the most confused and conflicted character I‘ve known. What‘s intriguing though is that it‘s probably the author‘s life story. The character has her posthumous name. Poor thing!
so-soTrying to forever leave the neighbourhood, yet remaining rooted in place. Striving to stand for a cause, yet resting on hallow rhetoric. Being a true friend, yet tilting on the edge of blatant dislike and resentment.
How Lenu feels is exactly how I feel reading this book. Ferrante‘s feat may be in creating a character who continually makes the worst choices and decisions a woman can make in managing her life and relationships.
I‘m over here saying: “Oh No! Don‘t do it! You really went ahead did that?” 😳
My favorite books capture aspects of human nature and relationships that we all understand and have experienced but have struggled to put into words. (Proust has done it the best for me). I am definitely enjoying this last book in the series so far. I expect things can go downhill though.
Well, I‘ve got to read the last book after reading the first three. I hope Ferrante redeems herself.
panThis is the 3rd book in the Neapolitan Quartet, about the toxic relationship between Lila and Elena. I found it to be almost unbearable to read, having to engage with such flawed characters. I steadily grew in my dislike of them due to the regressions in their identities and morality. By the end, I was as so emotional that I cried. Positively this may show the author‘s ability to stir feelings if that was her point.
pickI‘ve spent my summer this year in Naples. ❤️ I bailed on My Brilliant Friend when it first came out, it wasn‘t the right time. I am so glad I gave it another chance. I‘ve not been this absorbed in a book series for years. I devoured it book after book and now I‘m walking around in a daze. Absolutely brilliant.
pick4⭐️ Really enjoyed this book and I am kinda glad I read it after all the hype had died down to read it. Looking forward to the next book in the series. #2025 #fiction #historicalfiction #literary #friendship #comingofage
