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brandonpytel's review against another edition
4.0
A brilliant (ha) portrayal of friendship, captured within a coming of age story that can’t help but revive memories of childhood and adolescence among its readers. Elena looks on Lina with jealousy, rivalry, competitiveness, but overall utter dependence, as they go through their childhood and the educational feats and personal transformations that come with it.
As Lina and Elena grow apart and come back together, much as the push-and-pull, ebbs and flows of friendship do, they both grow in different ways, their bodies transforming, their social spheres changing, as they struggle to adapt to the world, as well as the societal and familial expectations of them. In many ways Elena and Lina’s worlds are as different as they are the same — Lina eventually discards education for work, and friendships for love, as Elena does the opposite.
Ferrante captures a rare and fascinating complete transformation of two characters, as they each come of age in Italy, while touching on themes of morality, beauty, growth, friendship and love squeezed between societal values of wealth, responsibility, class, and marriage.
As Lina and Elena grow apart and come back together, much as the push-and-pull, ebbs and flows of friendship do, they both grow in different ways, their bodies transforming, their social spheres changing, as they struggle to adapt to the world, as well as the societal and familial expectations of them. In many ways Elena and Lina’s worlds are as different as they are the same — Lina eventually discards education for work, and friendships for love, as Elena does the opposite.
Ferrante captures a rare and fascinating complete transformation of two characters, as they each come of age in Italy, while touching on themes of morality, beauty, growth, friendship and love squeezed between societal values of wealth, responsibility, class, and marriage.
iaintcorinne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anjuxavier's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
jessy23's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
stellawesthagen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
magalha's review against another edition
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
4.0
kiaracrawford98's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? Yes
4.75