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kjjohnson 's review for:
The Story of a New Name
by Elena Ferrante
4.5?
It's difficult sometimes to be in the headspace of someone who is so quick to assume the worst, but I enjoyed this book immensely despite that and despite/because of how often I had a mantra of 'what the fuck, what the fuck' running through my head because of Lenu.
Like, sleeping with Nino's gross dad on the beach because of the whole Nino/Lila thing? Writing and publishing a story based on that experience?? Talking about how Lila was overshadowing her and going to college in part to avoid that, then spending more time talking about what Lila was up to during that time than her actual college experience??? Throwing away Lila's precious diaries after reading and rereading them over and over again (against Lila's wishes) and knowing exactly what they meant to her and what Lila was going through???? Like, girl. So many poor choices.
Fucking Nino, he low-key irritated me with his condescending and self-aggrandizing attitude toward Lenu for a good chunk of the book, then he reappears at the end like the final boss and I just know he's going to throw a wrench into Lenu's relationships and hard-won moments of happiness. Sigh. When he showed up in the last line I wanted to scream.
I did appreciate that Lenu blossomed and grew a ton in college, even if she did have severe imposter syndrome. And that Lila left her awful abusive husband with her kid, despite how difficult that was given how powerful he was and the time period. Honestly I feel a ton of sympathy toward Lila generally, especially after we got a peek in her head through the diary entries. Like, it must be so hard seeing someone else have the life you desperately wished for, then see them not taking it seriously (not studying because of a boyfriend, etc.), then have to deal with an awful abusive husband and feeling insecure even talking with your friend's new circle because of the lack of education. Now she's working a truly miserable job to maintain her freedom.
I can't believe the story is only half done, but looking forward to seeing what future drama and terrible choices are to come.
It's difficult sometimes to be in the headspace of someone who is so quick to assume the worst, but I enjoyed this book immensely despite that and despite/because of how often I had a mantra of 'what the fuck, what the fuck' running through my head because of Lenu.
Like, sleeping with Nino's gross dad on the beach because of the whole Nino/Lila thing? Writing and publishing a story based on that experience?? Talking about how Lila was overshadowing her and going to college in part to avoid that, then spending more time talking about what Lila was up to during that time than her actual college experience??? Throwing away Lila's precious diaries after reading and rereading them over and over again (against Lila's wishes) and knowing exactly what they meant to her and what Lila was going through???? Like, girl. So many poor choices.
Fucking Nino, he low-key irritated me with his condescending and self-aggrandizing attitude toward Lenu for a good chunk of the book, then he reappears at the end like the final boss and I just know he's going to throw a wrench into Lenu's relationships and hard-won moments of happiness. Sigh. When he showed up in the last line I wanted to scream.
I did appreciate that Lenu blossomed and grew a ton in college, even if she did have severe imposter syndrome. And that Lila left her awful abusive husband with her kid, despite how difficult that was given how powerful he was and the time period. Honestly I feel a ton of sympathy toward Lila generally, especially after we got a peek in her head through the diary entries. Like, it must be so hard seeing someone else have the life you desperately wished for, then see them not taking it seriously (not studying because of a boyfriend, etc.), then have to deal with an awful abusive husband and feeling insecure even talking with your friend's new circle because of the lack of education. Now she's working a truly miserable job to maintain her freedom.
I can't believe the story is only half done, but looking forward to seeing what future drama and terrible choices are to come.