Review by purnuhja - My Brilliant Friend

purnuhja 's review for:

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

4.5

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

a beautifully complex coming of age story! I think Ferrante did a great job exploring female relationships, as well just relationships in general, poverty and class politics, cycles of violence and misogyny. it was hard to start and I struggled with pacing sometimes, but I loved the story and all that it had to offer. definitely don't think that Elena and Lila should be friends, there's so much toxicity in every relationship, but I also believe they need each other in this neighborhood that can't escape it's past. Ferrante does a great job balancing that line and just painting a vivid picture with her words. it can be frustrating and heartbreaking at times, but I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves coming of age stories.

Content Warnings