A review by calireisreading
L'amica geniale by Elena Ferrante

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is a very interesting exploration of the friendship and rivalry between the two main characters, but also of the social context they are in. I found their relationship to be realistic and complex, and the author did an outstanding job at describing its nature, both through their interactions and through the narrator's own account. They live in a difficult social context, and I advise reading the content warnings as the book often mentions and occasionally depicts violence. The writing style is great, simple, but expressive; the narration flows effortlessly, with occasional descriptions that are very well balanced by action and never interrupt the flow too harshly.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Child abuse

Minor: Sexual content

The setting is a poor neighborhood in 1950s Naples, where life is hard and people live in poverty. In this context, the social rules and customs presented in the story are quite backwards compared to today's, so the book contains sexist and classist remarks which are, however, directly or indirectly challenged and questioned throughout the story.