My Brilliant Friend

by Elena Ferrante, Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein
My Brilliant Friend cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99–£14.99
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  • ID: 603
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781609450786
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 50
  • Reviews: 4

My Brilliant Friend is a poignant tale of friendship, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of post-war Naples. The story unfolds through the eyes of Elena, who recounts her lifelong bond with Lila, a brilliant and enigmatic woman who vanishes without a trace. Their journey begins in a poor but vibrant neighborhood, where the two girls navigate the harsh realities of life under the shadow of the mafia. The novel is not just a story of two women but also a vivid portrayal of a community, a city, and a nation undergoing profound changes from the 1950s to the present day. /n/n The narrative delves deep into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of loyalty, ambition, and the enduring power of friendship. As Elena searches for answers about Lila's disappearance, she reflects on their shared past, revealing the intricate layers of their connection and the indelible mark Lila left on her life. This is a compelling exploration of identity, memory, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.

Reviews
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.

Warm Days Will Never Cease · Anonymous · 2021-07-15
heartfelt 4.75

The novel is celebrated for its intense and heartfelt portrayal of friendship, with Ferrante's unique style enhancing the story. The exploration of the characters' emotional landscapes is particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer at Warm Days Will Never Cease emphasizes the rich and intense nature of the story, focusing on the deep emotional connection between Elena and Lila. Ferrante's writing style is praised for its ability to delve into the characters' inner worlds, making their experiences feel vivid and real. The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of love, admiration, and the complexities of friendship, which are portrayed with a generous heart. The story is seen as a profound and moving exploration of the human condition.

Quick quotes

    My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense and generous hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila.

    Ferrante's inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.

    The novel captures the essence of friendship, with all its joys and pains, in a way that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Theresa Smith Writes · Theresa Smith · 2020-01-27
profound 4.50

This novel creates an unsentimental portrait of female experience, rivalry, and friendship never before seen in literature. The writing is exquisite and deeply moving.

Theresa Smith praises the novel for its profound exploration of female friendship and rivalry, noting that it is unlike anything else in literature. She highlights the exquisite writing and the way Ferrante captures the complexities of these relationships. The novel is described as deeply moving and richly detailed, offering a unique perspective on the female experience.

Quick quotes

    This exquisitely written quartet creates an unsentimental portrait of female experience, rivalry and friendship never before seen in literature.

    The characters are so vividly drawn that they feel like real people with all their flaws and strengths.

    Ferrante's prose is both beautiful and brutal, capturing the raw emotions of friendship and rivalry.

Keeping Up with the Penguins · Keeping Up with the Penguins · 2018-12-11
insightful 4.50

Ferrante's writing is beautiful and insightful, offering one of the most articulate descriptions of a panic attack. The novel is a rich exploration of friendship and growing up.

The reviewer from Keeping Up with the Penguins praises Ferrante's writing for its beauty and insight, particularly noting the articulate description of a panic attack. They describe the novel as a rich exploration of friendship and the complexities of growing up. The characters are deeply affecting, and the novel is seen as a significant contribution to literature.

Quick quotes

    Ferrante's writing is so beautiful, and chock-full of insight!

    She gives one of the most beautiful and articulate descriptions of a panic attack.

    The novel is a rich exploration of friendship and the complexities of growing up.

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