Troubling Love

by Elena Ferrante
Troubling Love cover
Good Books rating 3.83
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 10302
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Pechorin's Journal · 2015-06-05
mixed 3.00

The book is well-written with good and uncomfortable ideas, but it relies on traditional structures.

The reviewer appreciates the book's good and uncomfortable ideas, noting that it is mostly well-written. However, they feel that the traditional structures on which the book is built might limit its impact. The exploration of uncomfortable themes is commendable, but the narrative framework could have been more innovative.

Quick quotes

    It's a mostly well written book with some good and uncomfortable ideas

    built on a platform which is perhaps a little too traditional in its approach

    The ideas are good, but the execution is somewhat traditional

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2015-02-17
excellent 4.50

The book is a compelling read with a breathless manner of pushing characters forward. It is spiky and aggressive, making it a welcome introduction to Ferrante's style.

Tony found 'Troubling Love' to be an excellent short read that is both spiky and aggressive. The narrative style is compelling, pushing characters forward in a breathless manner. This makes it a welcome reintroduction to Ferrante's unique way of storytelling. The book's intensity and raw emotion are highlighted, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Troubling Love is an excellent short read, spiky, aggressive and compelling, a welcome reintroduction to Ferrante's breathless manner of pushing her characters

    Ferrante's breathless manner of pushing her characters

    A welcome reintroduction to Ferrante's breathless manner of pushing her characters

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2006-10-01
sobering 4.00

The book is a sobering read that cleverly covers themes of mental health and domestic violence, despite some meandering.

Michiko Kakutani describes 'Troubling Love' as a sobering read that cleverly tackles themes of mental health and domestic violence. The writing is beautiful, but the narrative sometimes meanders, which can be a bit distracting. Despite this, the depth of the themes explored makes it a significant and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    This is a sobering read, cleverly done covering themes of mental health and domestic violence

    It meanders a bit despite the beautiful writing

    The depth of the themes explored makes it a significant and impactful read

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