Yes, it’s just as good as everyone’s been saying—and I’m very glad I waited to read it.
No doubt you’ve heard of the Neapolitan novels, the quartet of books by Italian writer Elena Ferrante (whose identity is not known; she’s used a pen name since her first novel was published more than twenty years ago) and translated by Ann Goldstein.
I do wish someone would give Ann Goldstein a medal, because the translation is superb, as far as this non-Italian speaker can tell—it flows exactly as it should; one never stops to think of it as a translation.
My Brilliant Friend tells of the childhood and adolescence of Elena (or Lenu), the narrator, and Lila, her enigmatic, incredibly, almost dangerously intelligent friend. Both girls are sensitive, inquisitive, brave, desirous of accomplishment; but Lila has “the characteristic of absolute determination,” while Elena sometimes flounders, unsure of herself, looking to Lila as an anchor. Their subtle competition with each other wends through the novel, as Elena reaches back into her memory to understand her friend and rival. This is best bildungsroman I’ve read since Jane Eyre, though of course completely different in scope and setting. Lila and Elena, both born in 1944, live in a rough neighborhood on the fringes of Naples; parents hitting children and husbands hitting wives are commonplace. In their neighborhood wealth stands out, as do book smarts, though neither is particularly welcome; Elena recalls, “we grew up with the duty to make it difficult for others before they made it difficult for us.”
The structure of the novel reminded me of a sidewinder; it moves forward, but often by moving sideways. Elena sets a scene—a confrontation with rock-throwing boys after school (considerably less tame than a similar scene in Anne of Green Gables, by the way)—only to skip away laterally and return to it later. Ms. Ferrante is so talented, though, that these parries and feints aren’t jarring, but fluid.
I put off reading these books for two reasons, one good and one bad. The bad reason is that I find the covers off-putting, though thematically appropriate. The good reason, or the reasonable reason, perhaps, is that each installment of the series appeared a year apart, the last in September 2015; I suspected, based on the praise I heard, that I would not want to wait before delving into each subsequent novel. That suspicion was correct; within a half hour of finishing My Brilliant Friend, I was twenty pages into The Story of a New Name. I can’t wait to see what happens, how Lila and Elena will illuminate each other’s lives.
Rosemary and Reading Glasses 
Yes, I want to read these – all the praise is irresistible. But, like you, I’ve been waiting for them to all be out, but to also all be available at my library. I’m also hesitant to read series because of the time commitment, but I suspect I’ll speed through these pretty quick once I get going. I was also put off by the covers at first (well, still am, but now I know to ignore that). Have fun reading the rest!
I just checked and so far our library only has the first one. Urgh. On the bright side, surely that means they will eventually have them all…
No! I’m sorry! On the other hand, it does give you more time for that amazing list you put together.
Looking on the bright side… 🙂
They’re all out at our library!
We might just have to break down and buy them. 🙂
I completely agree with you on series, but you’re right that these fly by. I read the first one in two days (thanks to Mr. O, who played with H to give me some extra time for reading).
Oh, that’s good to hear!
I had to laugh at your comment about the covers, because I’d confessed to that prejudice on Naomi’s blog and she admitted that she was put off by the covers as well!
I have heard nothing but superlative reviews and I’m so glad that you are loving these, Carolyn. After I saw your 5 stars on Goodreads I ordered the entire set 🙂
Ha! Great minds think alike—and now I really, really hope you like the books!
Well, it looks as if I need to bump this series up on my TBR list! It seems like everyone loves these books! Cool! I admire those of you who want to just wait until a full series has been published. The only reason I tend to ever do that is simply due to lack of time to get to read any of them. 🙂 The cover images are perhaps not super-appealing…but…evidently what is inside is! 🙂
They are—so far—so, so good! Whoever she is, she’s brilliant. Happy reading!
I haven’t read these either but for a more perverse reason. I am always suspicious if a book is too popular, having been very disappointed many times. However, this one sounds like it’s worth reading.
I am too, in general, and the first page didn’t thrill me, but then I got to the second page and was completely carried away. She’s great.
Well, that sounds promising. I’ll put her on my list, if she’s not there already.
Pingback: Rosemary and Reading Glasses - Elena Ferrante
I put off reading My Brilliant Friend for ages because of the cover as well. Not the best choice, but I’m glad I read the series regardless.
I’m itching to get back into it!