A review by banopi
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book caused me more grief than the first, which is why it took longer for me to finish. The characters have only become more flawed as they grow up, but it makes them no less endearing to me. (Elena, in particular, is very close to my heart.)

So many things happened in this second book, but I just want to note that I appreciate the glimpses we get into Elena's relationship with her mother. It's a side note compared to her friendship with Lila, but I like it more.

As always, Elena Ferrante's writing is beautiful without seeming pretentious. She portrays the narrator's turmoil, joy, envy, shame, carefully manufactured nonchalance—everything—so well that it makes me feel like I'm living through her experiences and having her thoughts.

The cliffhanger though. God save us from pretentious men who think with their dicks but insist on knowing better than most people.