Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
An excellent escalation. I cannot wait to read the final book. College to kids to an affair. This book was THICK with plot and emotional turmoil. As the fascist violence in the background increases so does the relationships between the characters to crescendos of murders and our main character leaving her family. Thick discussions about feminism and ambition and Italian working conditions. I like that Lila again finds something to extremely excel at, it makes sense why there is still such a strong rivalry between the two women. And both of them have thrown away their comfortable lives that they have sacrificed for the same (lackluster) guy. I liked that we got moments of seeming compassion when Lila was sick, it only highlighted the toxicity even more with the internal monologue from Elena.
I like that we only get Elena’s side of things, we really have no idea if Lila is actually menacing or if it is just Elena and her insecurity. It makes an interesting dynamic.
These books are absolutely delicious. Moving on to the last, and feeling like I should drag it out and savor every moment. Truly excellent writing. Masterful character-building. Compelling social commentary that inspires thought and further inquiry. And women as the center of the narrative. Love all of it. So hard.
My only complaint? These godawful covers. 😫
My only complaint? These godawful covers. 😫
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
siento que no puedo describir con simples palabras lo mucho que me está gustando esta tetralogía
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
"In the fairy tales one does as one wants, and in reality one does what one can."
Without giving too much away: this book was interesting in that, more so than the first two, it gives background on the political tensions that Italy was undergoing in the sixties, something that both Elena and Lila are involved in, directly and less so.
One thing I liked about this book is that Elena is finally starting to grow some balls and stop caring so much about what other people think - even Lila. In contrast, Lila, who up to this point (particularly in the second novel) has always done what she wants, without regards for the consequences, begins to think more about carefully about how her actions will benefit her and her son.
Though there's moments in the book when it feels like the two women are growing apart, their bond is strong and resistant, though the sentiments between the two women continue to be complex. Towards the end of the book I was questioning who is the "good" one and who is the "bad" one - but since we only have an insight into Elena's feelings, it's hard to say whether Lila's actions and advice towards Lenu come from a place of genuine love and friendship or whether they are driven by the same feelings of envy that Elena feels towards her.
The ending (just like the last book) left me wanting to dive into the fourth and last novel to see what would happen next.
Without giving too much away: this book was interesting in that, more so than the first two, it gives background on the political tensions that Italy was undergoing in the sixties, something that both Elena and Lila are involved in, directly and less so.
One thing I liked about this book is that Elena is finally starting to grow some balls and stop caring so much about what other people think - even Lila. In contrast, Lila, who up to this point (particularly in the second novel) has always done what she wants, without regards for the consequences, begins to think more about carefully about how her actions will benefit her and her son.
Though there's moments in the book when it feels like the two women are growing apart, their bond is strong and resistant, though the sentiments between the two women continue to be complex. Towards the end of the book I was questioning who is the "good" one and who is the "bad" one - but since we only have an insight into Elena's feelings, it's hard to say whether Lila's actions and advice towards Lenu come from a place of genuine love and friendship or whether they are driven by the same feelings of envy that Elena feels towards her.
The ending (just like the last book) left me wanting to dive into the fourth and last novel to see what would happen next.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes