A review by grobe_liz
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
“My Brilliant Friend”, translated from Italian, catalogues in detailed scope the early childhood and adolescence of two best friends growing up in a poor Italian neighborhood in the climate of the 1960s. Told in the POV of Elena we see her family, best friend Lila, and the harsh community through her eyes as she grows-up alongside it. Elena brings to her narration moments of intense clarity and authenticity that make her story come to life in rare form. The complexity of Elena and Lila’s friendship is painful, honest, and is exactly what I hoped it would be when I read the reviews for this book. The ending of  “My Brilliant Friend” was entirely too cruel and so naturally I am going to reach for the next book asap.
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