Reviews

After reading her series, it was refreshing to read another book of hers with different characters. A lot of the same feelings are undercurrents: shame, beauty, intelligence but it was so nice to read her style again.

notoriousesr's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Giovanna’s life takes a turn when she hears her father say that she’s starting to look like her estranged aunt, Vittoria (ugly and mean). Whereas Giovanna and her family live in upper Naples, ensconced in propriety, Vittoria embodies the less savory aspects of lower Naples. As Giovanna becomes an adolescent, she starts to traverse the two worlds.

My first (official) Ferrante, and she did not disappoint! I absolutely inhaled this book, and I think it’s probably one of the best representations of adolescence in literature. Giovanna is such a pitch-perfect teenager, and her journey from trusting wholeheartedly the perfection of her parents to understanding that she can’t entirely rely on the adults in her life to make correct decision is one that I think is universal, and it’s executed with such grace and clarity by Ferrante. Is 2024 when I finally read the Neopolitan novels? Because it’s looking that way. An easy 5 out of 5 bracelets of uncertain origin.

anikamanzo's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense fast-paced

4.5

tshc's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

pedro_valero's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

maddisonmicetick's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this book really gripped me in the first half, and i was in love with Ferrante’s writing throughout. the premise of a young girl realizing the facade of adulthood through the adults in her life and the perfect image they lie and struggle to uphold was really interesting for me, and i think the first half swept me up in the mystery of her family’s secrets. Giovanna’s relationship to morality, beauty, and sexual/ emotional intimacy was explored well as she grows up and tries to navigate so many changes going on throughout her life. the second half was still good, but definitely more focused on Giovanna’s personal development and less plot or family secrets. i think that may reflect that she’s more perceptive as she gets older, but if you prefer plot-focused stories idk if the latter half will still grip you. my only big issue was the ending, which felt a little flat or lacklustre, as it felt more like a beginning for Giovanna symbolically leaving childhood behind. it made sense and fit with the story, i think i just expected something bigger lol. overall a fantastic read, i would definitely look for more work from Elena Ferrante!!

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