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A review by kowtherq
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I loved this!!
To the naked eye, this book might seem a little slow with not much happening throughout it.
On the contrary, so much constantly happens throughout this book. It was gripping from start to finish. It is a book that deals with so many themes, class being an important one. I enjoyed how this book deeply explores the friendship between Elena and Lila in all its complexity throughout childhood and adolescence, and how it was impacted by their different changing lives. This book also deeply speaks to the idea of community and what it means to be a part of one.
As I mentioned, class is a central theme in this book. It isn't sugarcoated either so it is refreshing to see it dealt with in such a real manner. From the disdain of the poorer families towards the rich family to their envy and wanting money, to having to choose between education and family due to money constraints, and even wealth affecting their relationships.
I wasn't planning on picking up the rest of the books in the series, but now I think I will!
To the naked eye, this book might seem a little slow with not much happening throughout it.
On the contrary, so much constantly happens throughout this book. It was gripping from start to finish. It is a book that deals with so many themes, class being an important one. I enjoyed how this book deeply explores the friendship between Elena and Lila in all its complexity throughout childhood and adolescence, and how it was impacted by their different changing lives. This book also deeply speaks to the idea of community and what it means to be a part of one.
As I mentioned, class is a central theme in this book. It isn't sugarcoated either so it is refreshing to see it dealt with in such a real manner. From the disdain of the poorer families towards the rich family to their envy and wanting money, to having to choose between education and family due to money constraints, and even wealth affecting their relationships.
I wasn't planning on picking up the rest of the books in the series, but now I think I will!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Sexual assault
Minor: Murder