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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
I really wasn’t impressed by the first in this series, but had expected to love it. So when I saw the second audiobook available from my library I thought I’d give it a chance and I’m glad I did. More familiar with the extensive cast of characters, I was able to better keep track of and enjoy the plot. I’m growing to really love the central characters with all their flaws. I still think it’s ridiculously long winded at times though.
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are no words... or just too many
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Child abuse, Suicide, Blood, Abortion
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Because I’ve had it, it’s always the same story: inside something small there’s something even smaller that wants to leap out, and outside something larger there’s always something larger that wants to keep it a prisoner…”
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
4.5/ Lenu continues to annoy with her overthinking and obsessive personality, but she's such a real person that you can't help but feel for her. Lila's story is obviously the stand out and I sincerely need to know if things work out for her somehow. The secondary characters can feel a bit samey, especially bc their descriptions tend to use a lot of the same words. But I enjoy hearing about the neighborhood people all the same.
The political diatribes/soliloquies can be a bit much, I have no idea what anyone is talking about most of the time, and it seems like the characters themselves don't either. The book could be cut down significantly if these portions were shorter or cut out altogether, and I doubt the story would be affected.
The political diatribes/soliloquies can be a bit much, I have no idea what anyone is talking about most of the time, and it seems like the characters themselves don't either. The book could be cut down significantly if these portions were shorter or cut out altogether, and I doubt the story would be affected.
Elena Ferrante continues the story of Elena and Lila in "The Story of a New Name." They both suffer hardships and their friendship is tested. Lila comes out much the worse for wear as a result of her trials and tribulations, while Elena, though outwardly flourishing, continues to lack confidence and faith in herself.
Lila's marital problems take up much of the book.
I enjoyed following Elena's academic journey, and seeing her thrive at Pisa. You know an author has created a lovable and relatable character when you feel pain when Elena feels pain, when Elena lacks confidence in herself. That is really the secret to Ferrante's success, I think - creating a compelling, sympathetic character in Elena. She doesn't always do the right thing - but she is self-aware enough to recognize when and why she doesn't. I look forward to cheering on Elena in the next two books.
I did think "The Story of a New Name" was a little overlong. The section on Ischia especially went on for too long. I also would have liked to have seen more of the other neighborhood characters - they disappeared more and more as the book progressed. But these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise wonderful story of the hard lives and friendship of two women.
Lila's marital problems take up much of the book.
Spoiler
As hinted at in the end of "My Brilliant Friend," Stefano is not the kind, thoughtful husband Lila thought him to be. He rapes her, beats her, and tries to quench the fire that burns in Lila. Lila throws herself into work at the grocery to try to make herself feel alive. But it is only when Lila meets Nino - Elena's secret love - on Ischia that she understands true passion. But their fairytale love cannot last. Lila and Nino's affair throws their lives into disarray, along with Elena's.I enjoyed following Elena's academic journey, and seeing her thrive at Pisa. You know an author has created a lovable and relatable character when you feel pain when Elena feels pain, when Elena lacks confidence in herself. That is really the secret to Ferrante's success, I think - creating a compelling, sympathetic character in Elena. She doesn't always do the right thing - but she is self-aware enough to recognize when and why she doesn't. I look forward to cheering on Elena in the next two books.
I did think "The Story of a New Name" was a little overlong. The section on Ischia especially went on for too long. I also would have liked to have seen more of the other neighborhood characters - they disappeared more and more as the book progressed. But these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise wonderful story of the hard lives and friendship of two women.