A review by liawindsor
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

I was so ready to love this book and I'm gutted I didn't.

Things I liked: the atmosphere of Naples - Ferrante really brings the neighbourhood and their culture to life. I liked the side characters a lot more than the main ones. I would have preferred almost a more general, cross-sectioned narrative showing what their life is like, rather than this zoomed-in look on Lenu and Lila.

Things I didn't like: Unfortunately, I found the main character so irritating that I could never relax into the narration. I'd seen this book praised as a brilliant portrayal of female friendship, but those reviewers need to make some real friends because this was the most toxic, jealous, unhealthy friendship! The main character never feels anything but spite or envy towards her friend, and there was never any development in this. 

I want to know how the characters turn out, but I can't sit through three more books of Lenu's perspective. A book with so much potential that unfortunately didn't do it for me. 
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