The story is that I am trying to catch up with my friend (Buddy Read). She could not stop reading and finished all 4 novels in the Quartet. The relationship between the protagonists (two) is … I don‘t even know what to say. Elena Ferrante is anonymous. I betcha she is writing a story about her own friendship. I don‘t even think one of the greatest authors can make this stuff up. It‘s the epitome of a love/hate relationship. (This is Book Two)
How about “Buddy Read” rivalry? A friend and I had this plan to read “The Alexander Quartet” by Elena Ferrante and I got sidetracked with #READLESMIS I was upfront with her about it. Not a cheater. 🤣 We had already read and discussed Book One: My Brilliant Friend. I checked back with her yesterday and she has finished all 4 books. She said she could not wait for me. 😳 (I typically read one book at a time but I guess I need to change up)
pickThis was another #buddyread with my bestie. The first in a trilogy about two friends. This first book was about their childhood and growing up together. Overall, it was a soft pick for me. The characters were fleshed out well and unique, but there truly wasn‘t as much in the way of friendship for the girls as I expected
pickPublished in English under the title Neapolitan Chronicles&translated by Goldstein&McPhee, Ortese is one of the best post Ww2 Italian&perhaps most overlooked authors.The book consists of 5 chapters (3 fiction,2 journalistic accounts) that present a Naples shattered by war&corruption. Ortese‘s style is a blend of realist narrative&”almost surreal tone”.Ortese talks about her book having the effect of disorientation.
Well, I seldom if ever read two books at once. But, I was doing a buddy read of “My Brilliant Friend” (Book 1) and before we even discussed the book, she could not wait and started reading this one. We will see how this goes with “Les Miserables”. (Back into my reading for sure in 2025).
This book! My goodness! I usually don‘t reread but I am glad I did. I still can‘t figure out these two. Gladly, there‘s 3 more books in the series.
I‘m starting to read this again while waiting for my new edition of Les Miserables to come. I asked a friend to Buddy Read it with me because the characters and story are so different (best word ) that I have been longing to talk to someone about it. #ReadLesMis
pickNYT named this the #1 book of the century. Hmmm. Am I missing something? I mean, it was interesting, but I didn‘t love it like some people and I am going to say many of my book club pals aren‘t going to singing its praises either.
Back to work tomorrow. 😭
pickThis is a suitably tumultuous, eventful, and often brutal and heartbreaking conclusion to the quartet. The unresolved mysteries are in a way frustrating, but they also make the story more real and relatable. It's quite the journey.
so-so
