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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Beginning in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood just outside of Naples Italy. Elena recounts her life with Lila her childhood best friends. This is the first novel in the Neapolitan quartet that follows these women throughout their lives, this one starts in their adolescence until young adulthood.
I am obsessed with this book. I have not stopped thinking about it since I finished it. Elena and Lila perfectly encapsulate that toxic friendship you develop as girls in rough situations. I found myself relating Elena’s experiences to my own. I love the almost stream of consciousness from Elena. Truly her unfiltered thoughts are a reflections of something we have all felt in that kind of push and pull relationship. I also adored the setting of 1950's Italy. I haven’t decided if I am going to finish the rest of the quartet because this one just hit perfectly I don’t want to ruin it lol. It perfectly encapsulates girlhood and being raised in uncertain environments. I really loved the post war setting. The neighborhood boogie man, the way the girls naturally orbit each other. It is all so visceral and real. I originally picked this one up because of women in translation month. I read a lot of translated literary fiction but most of the ones I gravitate towards are usually from Asia/ South Asia. This was a stunning step outside of my comfort zone and I have added several more translated works to my TBR. This book wasn’t a perfect 5 stars for me because there were a few parts that kinda dragged a little bit but overall LOVED this book.
I would recommend this book if you love reading about toxic friendships, girl hood, unreliable narrators and a historical setting. Definitely check TWs
AHHH I loved this first book so much. I read this having NO expectation of what was to come, I basically picked it up on a whim. Also the title is so perfect???
I would’ve rated it five if it wasn’t dry in some parts—how I hate it when books are dry
I would’ve rated it five if it wasn’t dry in some parts—how I hate it when books are dry
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
I found this a real struggle tbh, I appreciate the detail and its evocation of the city but found myself unable to care for the characters to the extent that I found it a chore.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
Could this be ... a 5 star from me? No surely not ...
This is one of the few books I have given 5 stars to this year. And it was just magical.
This book was like I had learnt how to read in a whole different way. Not since I was young when my imagination was at its peak have I been able to envision a book so vividly. I almost feel that my life has been erased and in its place is the life and story told in my brilliant friend. This is such a unique book and I can't even express as to why. I'm am just so in awe of this book and I'm sure it will be one I recommend to everyone.
Whilst reading this book I realised how much I often take books for granted. In the sense that I look at a painting and I think wow talent, or a sportsman, a singer or whatever it may be but I often forget how talented writers are. How they can weave everything together, I just can't even begin to fathom.
I just love this book so much it was such a joy to read I just never wanted to put it down.
You might like this if you picked up: Normal people, A little life
This is one of the few books I have given 5 stars to this year. And it was just magical.
This book was like I had learnt how to read in a whole different way. Not since I was young when my imagination was at its peak have I been able to envision a book so vividly. I almost feel that my life has been erased and in its place is the life and story told in my brilliant friend. This is such a unique book and I can't even express as to why. I'm am just so in awe of this book and I'm sure it will be one I recommend to everyone.
Whilst reading this book I realised how much I often take books for granted. In the sense that I look at a painting and I think wow talent, or a sportsman, a singer or whatever it may be but I often forget how talented writers are. How they can weave everything together, I just can't even begin to fathom.
I just love this book so much it was such a joy to read I just never wanted to put it down.
You might like this if you picked up: Normal people, A little life
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No