My Brilliant Friend

by Elena Ferrante, Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein
My Brilliant Friend cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99–£14.99
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  • ID: 603
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781609458638
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2012-09-10
  • Formats: 50
  • Reviews: 4

My Brilliant Friend is a modern masterpiece by one of Italy's most acclaimed authors, Elena Ferrante. This novel is the first in a trilogy and offers a meticulous portrait of two women, Elena and Lila, whose lives are deeply intertwined. Set in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s, the story explores their friendship, which is as complex and enduring as the city and country they inhabit. The novel is not just a story of personal growth and friendship but also a reflection of a nation undergoing significant change. Ferrante's inimitable style brings to life the tough streets of Naples and the transformative power of friendship and destiny./n/nThe novel is a masterfully plotted page-turner, abundant in narrative details and characterizations. It is a stylish work of literary fiction that delves into the lives of Elena and Lila, showcasing their respective destinies and how they are reflected and refracted in each other. Through their stories, Ferrante tells the tale of a neighborhood, a city, and a country being transformed in ways that also alter the relationship between the two protagonists. This novel is a testament to Ferrante's skill as a storyteller and her ability to create unforgettable characters and compelling narratives.

Reviews
Berkeley Fiction Review · 2025-03-10
brilliant 4.50

The book explores the complexities of friendship and the lasting impact of choices. It is praised for its deep emotional resonance and vivid portrayal of life in post-war Italy.

This retrospective on the Neapolitan Quartet delves into the intricate dynamics between the two main characters, Elena and Lila. The reviewer highlights how Ferrante masterfully captures the essence of their friendship, which is both beautiful and tumultuous. The book is celebrated for its emotional depth and the way it portrays the societal and personal struggles of the characters. The reviewer also notes how the book grapples with what constitutes a good life and the long-term repercussions of decisions.

Quick quotes

    Ferrante grapples with what even makes a good life and how the repercussions of decisions can follow us for decades down the road.

    The book is celebrated for its emotional depth and the way it portrays the societal and personal struggles of the characters.

    The intricate dynamics between the two main characters, Elena and Lila, are beautifully captured.

Anusha Reflects · Anusha · 2023-11-22
profound 4.25

The book delves into the intricate emotions of Elena, exploring her insecurities and jealousies alongside her love for her friend. The narrative is both confusing and enlightening, offering a deep dive into the characters' psyches.

Anusha reflects on the novel's ability to weave through Elena's complex emotions, from her insecurities and jealousies to her deep love and admiration for Lila. The reviewer finds the narrative both confusing and enlightening, as it navigates the intricate layers of the characters' minds. The story is seen as a profound exploration of the human psyche, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of growing up. Anusha appreciates the depth of the characters and the authenticity of their emotional journeys.

Quick quotes

    It weaves in and out of Elena's confusion between her own insecurities and jealousies, and the love and admiration she feels for her friend.

    The novel is a masterclass in character development, with each page revealing more about the complexities of the characters' lives.

    Ferrante's writing is both poetic and raw, capturing the essence of the characters' experiences with unparalleled depth.

Nika Grizila · Nika Grizila · 2023-11-10
must-read 4.75

The book is a must-read for its authentic portrayal of life in a poor, uneducated, and sexist society. It is praised for its raw and unflinching look at the struggles of its characters.

Nika Grizila's review emphasizes how Ferrante's work is a must-read due to its authentic portrayal of life in a poor, uneducated, and sexist society. The reviewer appreciates the raw and unflinching look at the struggles of the characters, particularly the women. The book is noted for its ability to show the hardships and societal constraints that the characters face. The reviewer also highlights the emotional impact of the story, which resonates deeply with readers.

Quick quotes

    Ferrante really manages to show how hard life was, how poor and uneducated people were, how sexist the society was.

    The book is noted for its ability to show the hardships and societal constraints that the characters face.

    The emotional impact of the story resonates deeply with readers.

Reddit - r/books · u/UnknownUser · 2022-01-01
spectacular 4.75

The series is spectacular and flooring, with a deep emotional impact. It is praised for its excellent writing and immersive storytelling.

A Reddit user shares their thoughts on the Neapolitan Quartet, describing it as spectacular and flooring. They highlight the deep emotional impact of the series and praise its excellent writing and immersive storytelling. The reviewer notes how the book captures the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of the characters. The series is celebrated for its ability to keep readers engaged and emotionally invested throughout.

Quick quotes

    I am absolutely floored by how spectacular this series was.

    The book captures the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of the characters.

    The series is celebrated for its ability to keep readers engaged and emotionally invested throughout.

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