Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante

27 reviews

samarakroeger's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked this so much more than the first book!  While it felt like I was dragging my feet through parts of My Brilliant Friend, I was hooked to this one. This book follows them from the ages of 15-23, focusing on Lenu’s pursuit of education and Lila’s tumultuous and abusive marriage. 

If I thought the first book had kill all men energy, then it is even stronger here. Every single man is downright terrible here. 

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greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Books have rarely hit me as hard as those in the Naples series. It may be the first time I learned that it was okay for a female character to be unknowable. It's just really incredible.

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augustwordsworth's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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ktkeps's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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theyley's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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hannahhansa's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am gripped and thoroughly shaken by Elena Ferrante’s writing. The emotions that course through me on completing a book of hers feel violent and life altering.  I have no words.

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anna_catherine73's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series of books draws you in like nothing else I have ever read and moves you in such an intense way. Some of the best books I have read in a really long time, I have a never ending love for the Neapolitan novels.  

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calireisreading's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A longer and more challenging read compared to the first volume, I found this second installment interesting and engaging, despite it dealing with heavier themes (again, please check the content warnings); some chapters and scenes were difficult to read,
especially those of domestic abuse between Lila and Stefano, starting from their first wedding night
. The friendship-rivalry between Lila and Elena is further developed and grows with them, taking on more mature characteristics while still retaining some childlike traits.
The writing style is impeccable as it was in the first book and flows just as well, each sentence is meaningful and balanced.
Overall, a solid read, unpleasant at times because of the challenging themes, but meaningful and impactful.

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lindseyhall44's review against another edition

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

5.0

“Even if your better than me, even if you know more things, don’t leave me.”
The complexities of the female friendship  is a concept I have always noted in my life, yet struggled to articulate. However, Ferrante puts these universal experiences into words, so captivating and raw that the reflections of my life becomes clearer.
The Story of a New Name follows Elena and Lila, two friends on different paths, as their lives diverge and reconvene on the cusp of adulthood.
Although the environment and lifestyle situation of Lila and Elena vary dramatically from my own, I can’t help but see fragments of my past relationships in theirs. The care and precision of the intertwining plot lines envelops the reader into the lives of these women, creating a searing glimpse into the politics, class, and social elements of 1950’s Naples Italy. It truly feels like I am growing up with Elena and Lila, and their perspective is not one I would want to lose to the world.
This is a brilliant read, and I would recommend to anyone interested (though please check trigger warnings).

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jouljet's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense 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

3.0


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