Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Un mal nombre by Elena Ferrante

47 reviews

hannahbanana1's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-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

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Sexual violence

codecat's review against another edition

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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual violence

Minor: Pregnancy

iuniper's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-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

5.0

It took me two volumes to understand the brilliance of this story, the exquisite craft hidden in the plain words, the gripping power of these characters' lives. They are raw and flawed and powerful. They explode off the page in their complexity, pulling you in into their world, in the Napoli of the 60s. Elena Greco tells the story with the precision of a surgeon. She analyses her feelings and the world surrounding her as if she were in the OR, dissecting every single thought that passes through her mind, trying to understand its origin in an attempt to understand herself better, and the world. But she is not a Mary Sue. Elena Ferrante knows how to expose her protagonist's biases and flaws and flawed judgement through clear, raw writing. Lenu and Lila are two stories that mirror each other, two peas in the same pond. They both lied to become part of a world that was outside their reach. They both were disappointed, heartbroken, angry. They both wanted to become better than the sum of their parts, their history, of their family. They grow apart, and they grow closer because, in the end, they only have each other. I am so excited to read the next books. 

Hands down one of the best books I have read in recent years. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Suicide, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Pregnancy

cha_reading's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence

issyd23's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

This book ripped my heart out and tore it into a thousand pieces!! Trigger warning for teen heartbreak 5⭐️

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Violence, Sexual harassment, Classism, Pedophilia, Rape, Toxic friendship, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy

theyley's review against another edition

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

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, War, Classism, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence

hannahhansa's review against another edition

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.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Misogyny, and Abandonment

elisaviihde's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, and Domestic abuse

anna_catherine73's review against another edition

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.  

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Sexism, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Adult/minor relationship

Minor: Suicide

calireisreading's review against another edition

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.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Misogyny

Minor: Suicide and Miscarriage