Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

by Elena Ferrante
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay cover
Good Books rating 3.6
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10306
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781787700789
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2014-09-11
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay is the third installment in Elena Ferrante's critically acclaimed Neapolitan Novels. It continues the story of Lila and Elena, two lifelong friends navigating the dramatic shifts in sexual politics and social customs of the late 1960s and 1970s. Lila, now separated from her husband, works in a local factory while Elena, having earned a degree and published a novel, moves in elite circles. The novel is praised for its intense exploration of friendship and its vivid portrayal of a changing world. Ferrante's writing has been compared to Balzac and The Sopranos, blending high stakes and subversive literature with feminist theory. The book is part of a series that has sold over 14 million copies worldwide, establishing Ferrante as a leading voice in contemporary literature. /n/n The novel is not just a moving story of friendship but also a searing portrait of a rapidly changing world. It captures the era's seemingly limitless possibilities and the personal struggles of its characters. Ferrante's prose is compelling, drawing readers in and making them forget their surroundings. The book has been hailed as an unconditional masterpiece, with critics praising its intensity and forensic exploration of the characters' lives. It is a testament to Ferrante's ability to say something new in a way that is both compelling and unforgettable.

Reviews
Reddit - Recommended Books · 2021-10-10
intriguing 3.00

The book felt slow compared to the previous installment, with some questionable character choices. However, it is still seen as a valuable addition to the series.

This reviewer notes that 'Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay' felt slower compared to the previous book in the series. They express some frustration with the characters' choices, finding them questionable at times. Despite these issues, they still see the book as a valuable part of the Neapolitan Novels, appreciating its exploration of the characters' lives and the complexities of their relationships. The reviewer acknowledges that the book may not be as engaging as others in the series, but it still holds significance within the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    Overall, it felt slow compared to the last book

    Elena made some questionable choices

    I got tired of her indecision

Mum of Three World · 2021-01-15
good 3.00

The book is a heavy read and may not be everyone's cup of tea. It offers a nuanced portrayal of class distinctions, especially among the working poor.

This reviewer finds the book to be a heavy read, not suitable for everyone. They appreciate the nuanced portrayal of class distinctions, especially among the working poor, which is one of the remarkable qualities of Ferrante's work. The reviewer also notes that the book is a commercial success, but critical responses are mixed. They find the book to be a deeply absorbing and emotionally intense experience, with a pace that builds to a dramatic conclusion. However, they also acknowledge that the book may not be for everyone, and it requires a certain level of commitment and engagement from the reader.

Quick quotes

    As you may have guessed from my review, it is a fairly heavy read and wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea.

    One of the remarkable qualities of Ms. Ferrante's work is her nuanced portrayal of class distinctions, especially among the working poor.

    It was a deeply absorbing and emotionally intense experience.

Tony's Reading List · 2014-08-28
great 4.00

The book is deeply intertwined with the previous novels in the series, making it less enjoyable as a standalone read. However, it offers a rich and complex narrative that rewards those who have followed the series.

This reviewer emphasizes that 'Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay' is a book that should be read as part of the series. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, but also acknowledge that it may not stand alone as well as other books. The reviewer finds the characters and their relationships compelling, but notes that the book's themes and plot points are best understood in the context of the previous novels. Overall, they see it as a significant addition to the series, but one that requires the investment of reading the preceding books.

Quick quotes

    However, it's not a book that can really be enjoyed without having read the previous two novels first

    I still believe that it doesn't quite work as a standalone novel

    The characters and their relationships are compelling

Goodreads · 2013-10-30
brilliant 4.40

This installment of Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels is the most intimate, offering a deep dive into the characters' lives. It is praised for its emotional intensity and compelling narrative.

The reviewer finds 'Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay' to be the most intimate of the Neapolitan Novels, striking a chord with its emotional depth. They appreciate how the book delves into the characters' lives, making it a deeply absorbing read. The narrative is seen as compelling, with a pace that builds towards an intense conclusion. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to captivate readers with its rich portrayal of the characters and their relationships.

Quick quotes

    The third installment of Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels quartet, strikes me as the most intimate of the books

    The pace of the book becomes quite intense at the end as events spiral towards an inevitable conclusion

    The narrative is seen as compelling

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