The Lying Life of Adults

by Elena Ferrante
The Lying Life of Adults cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10307
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781609455927
  • Publisher: Europa Editions
  • Published: 2020-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Giovanna's life takes a dramatic turn when her father tells her she is becoming ugly, resembling her estranged Aunt Vittoria. This revelation sets her on a quest to understand her true self, navigating the stark contrasts of Naples' upper and lower classes. As she moves between these two worlds, Giovanna seeks answers about her identity and the truth about her family's past. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, family secrets, and the complexities of growing up in a divided society. /n/n Acclaimed author of My Brilliant Friend and The Lost Daughter, Elena Ferrante, delivers another compelling narrative that delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil of adolescence. The Lying Life of Adults is a powerful exploration of the search for identity and the lies that shape our lives, set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of Naples.

Reviews
Harvard Review · 2021-01-29
challenging 4.20

The novel is both the hardest book to read and the easiest, offering a cruel yet deeply compelling exploration of the protagonist's journey. Ferrante's writing forces readers to confront the harsh realities of adult life.

This novel is a challenging yet deeply rewarding read. The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of revelations that force her to confront the lies and complexities of adult life. The narrative is both cruel and deeply compelling, offering a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of family dynamics and self-discovery. The book's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions and conflicts that arise as the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of adulthood. It's a powerful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal or the weight of self-discovery. The novel's unflinching portrayal of the protagonist's struggles makes it a challenging yet deeply rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    Both the hardest book to read and the easiest, The Lying Life of Adults is a cruel and deeply compelling novel.

    Ferrante forces her readers to confront the harsh realities of adult life.

    The novel's unflinching portrayal of the protagonist's struggles makes it a challenging yet deeply rewarding read.

Tony's Reading List · 2020-09-07
compelling 4.50

The book explores the protagonist's journey from childhood innocence to the harsh realities of adulthood, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and self-discovery. The narrative is both poignant and unsettling, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's internal struggles.

This novel is a profound exploration of the transition from childhood to adulthood. The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of revelations that force her to confront the lies and complexities of adult life. The narrative is both poignant and unsettling, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's internal struggles and the harsh realities of family dynamics. The book's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions and conflicts that arise as the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of adulthood. It's a compelling read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal or the weight of self-discovery.

Quick quotes

    The book is all about how she's forced to shed the protective cocoon of her childhood, and how once the first step is taken, she finds it impossible to return.

    The narrative is both poignant and unsettling, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's internal struggles.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions and conflicts that arise as the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of adulthood.

The Guardian · The Guardian · 2020-08-30
powerful 4.00

The novel offers a compelling story of family, desire, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of Naples. The protagonist's reunion with her estranged aunt is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

This novel is a masterful exploration of family dynamics, desire, and betrayal. Set against the vibrant and gritty backdrop of Naples, the story follows a young girl's reunion with her estranged aunt. This reunion serves as a catalyst for a series of revelations that force the protagonist to confront the lies and complexities of adult life. The narrative is both compelling and emotionally charged, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's internal struggles and the harsh realities of family dynamics. The book's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions and conflicts that arise as the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of adulthood. It's a powerful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal or the weight of self-discovery.

Quick quotes

    A compelling story of family, desire and betrayal.

    The protagonist's reunion with her estranged aunt is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

    The narrative is both compelling and emotionally charged, offering a deep dive into the protagonist's internal struggles and the harsh realities of family dynamics.

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