jolimali 's review for:

The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante

5.0

challenging dark reflective sad 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

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Absolutely harrowing expression of jealousy and the madness that comes with it, a story about a woman who gave too much of herself to a man who did not deserve her and almost lost everything that matters to her in the process, I was invested until the very end. The exploration of a woman’s value being determined by the man who claims to love her, and consequently being measured against the woman he leaves her for, felt so raw and true, a result of the shame and insecurity planted in women by a patriarchal society.