The Neapolitan Novels
The Neapolitan Novels
Book Brief
Beta1705
Novel • Fiction
Naples, Italy • 1950s-2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante detail the lifelong friendship and experiences of two women, Lila and Elena, from a poor neighborhood in Naples. Spanning from childhood in the 1950s to adulthood, the series explores themes of identity, ambition, and societal change across four books: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
9,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elena Ferrante's The Neapolitan Novels are celebrated for their profound exploration of female friendship, identity, and social change. Critics praise the rich characterization and vivid depiction of Naples. While some find the pacing slow, others appreciate the detailed narrative. Overall, the series is lauded for its emotional depth and storytelling.
Who Should Read The Neapolitan Novels?
A reader who enjoys The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante is likely drawn to intricate character studies, rich narratives of female friendship, and sociopolitical backdrops. Fans of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and My Brilliant Friend love vivid storytelling and emotional depth.
9,221 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The identity of Elena Ferrante, the author of The Neapolitan Novels, remained a mystery for years, sparking widespread curiosity and speculation in the literary world until investigative journalism suggested an identity in 2016.
The novels have been adapted into a successful television series titled My Brilliant Friend, which premiered on HBO, bringing the vivid portrayal of Elena and Lila's friendship to a global audience.
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The Neapolitan Novels have been translated into numerous languages and gained international acclaim, highlighting the universal themes of friendship, identity, and the socio-political landscape of post-war Italy.
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1705
Novel • Fiction
Naples, Italy • 1950s-2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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