The Days of Abandonment

by Elena Ferrante, Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein
The Days of Abandonment cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 396
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781609450298
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2012-09-10
  • Formats: 37
  • Reviews: 4

Olga's world shatters when her husband leaves her, plunging her into a state of 'absence of sense.' The Days of Abandonment is a raw and unflinching exploration of a woman's descent into the darkest corners of her soul. As she wanders the unfamiliar streets of a city she never loved, Olga's isolation and desperation intensify, leading her to confront her deepest fears and the potential loss of her own identity./n/nTrapped in her apartment during a summer heat wave, Olga's journey becomes a battle for survival and self-preservation. The novel challenges conventional notions of motherhood and womanhood, delving into the psychological and emotional turmoil of abandonment. With its stark and powerful prose, this compelling narrative forces readers to question the very foundations of personal identity and resilience.

Reviews
Julia's Books · 2024-11-04
bleak 4.00

The novel is bleak and intense, highlighting the injustice and helplessness of the protagonist's situation. The emotional impact is profound.

At times the novel is a very hard read, inexorably bleak, and I felt intensely the injustice of Olga's situation, her helplessness and her struggle to cope. The emotional impact is profound, and the narrative is compelling in its raw portrayal of abandonment. The book is a powerful exploration of a woman's emotional turmoil and her journey towards self-discovery. It's a challenging read, but one that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    At times the novel is a very hard read, inexorably bleak.

    I felt intensely the injustice of Olga's situation, her helplessness and her struggle to cope.

    The emotional impact is profound, and the narrative is compelling in its raw portrayal of abandonment.

The Book Place · 2023-03-21
harrowing 4.00

The book is emotionally challenging but leaves a lasting impact. The raw emotion and vivid portrayal of abandonment make it a memorable read.

The reviewer found The Days of Abandonment to be an intense and emotionally draining experience. They appreciated the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the protagonist's descent into despair following her husband's abandonment. The vivid and sometimes disturbing imagery left a lasting impact, making it a book that is hard to forget. While challenging to read, the reviewer acknowledges the powerful storytelling and the authentic depiction of human emotion.

Quick quotes

    Finishing it felt like coming up for air.

    The Days of Abandonment was a difficult novel to read.

    The raw emotion and vivid portrayal of abandonment make it a memorable read.

Readers Retreat · 2020-11-12
thrilling 4.20

The book serves as a great entry point for new readers of Ferrante's work. It offers a powerful and thrilling read.

The reviewer recommends The Days of Abandonment as a great entry point for those new to Elena Ferrante's work. They found the book to be powerful and thrilling, with a setting in Italy that adds to its appeal. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the way the story captures the protagonist's struggle with abandonment. While it may not be as well-known as Ferrante's later works, it is a compelling read that showcases her storytelling prowess.

Quick quotes

    A great entry point for those who have never read Ferrante's books before.

    Do not want to commit to her Neapolitan novels.

    The Days of Abandonment is a powerful and thrilling read.

JacquiWine · 2014-08-14
compelling 4.50

The book is disturbing yet unforgettable with compelling storytelling. The translation by Ann Goldstein is praised for its quality.

The reviewer describes The Days of Abandonment as a disturbing but utterly unforgettable book. They highlight the compelling nature of the story and the excellent translation by Ann Goldstein, which enhances the reading experience. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of a woman's emotional turmoil and the impact of abandonment. Despite its disturbing elements, the story is captivating and leaves a strong impression.

Quick quotes

    A disturbing, but utterly unforgettable and compelling book.

    Admirably translated by Ann Goldstein.

    The Days of Abandonment is a powerful exploration of a woman's emotional turmoil.

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