The Story of the Lost Child

by Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein
The Story of the Lost Child cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 692
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-19
  • ISBN: 9781530481040
  • Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Published: 2016-03-10
  • Reviews: 3

The Story of the Lost Child - Summary & Analysis is a comprehensive companion to the final book in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan series. It offers chapter summaries, character analysis, themes, imagery, symbols, and important quotes to enhance the reader's understanding of the original work. This guide highlights the intricate thematic threads and character development that make the series so compelling, providing a deeper appreciation for the narrative's complexities. As a companion volume, this book is designed to be read alongside the original novel, offering insights that might otherwise be overlooked. It serves as an invaluable resource for readers who want to delve into the rich tapestry of Elena's life, her tumultuous relationship with Nino, and the heart-wrenching mystery surrounding Lila's daughter.

Reviews
Theresa Smith Writes · Theresa Smith · 2022-10-03
mixed 3.50

The book was felt to be overly long, particularly in the first half. Despite this, the emotional resonance and depth of the characters were appreciated.

Theresa Smith found The Story of the Lost Child to be excessively long, especially in the first half, which she felt could have been shortened by at least 100 pages. Despite this critique, she appreciated the emotional resonance and depth of the characters, which made the book a compelling read. The exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and personal growth was particularly noteworthy, though the pacing issues detracted from the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    It was far too long, at least 100 pages too long.

    The emotional resonance and depth of the characters were appreciated.

    The exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and personal growth was particularly noteworthy.

The Guardian · The Guardian Staff · 2015-09-03
profound 4.50

The novel evolves into a deeper exploration of the dark psychology of friendship. The conclusion of the Neapolitan series is seen as a weighty and impactful finale.

The Guardian's review highlights how The Story of the Lost Child transcends its predecessors by delving into the sinister aspects of friendship. The novel's ability to weave together themes of friendship, love, and personal struggle is praised for its depth and complexity. The reviewer finds the finale of the Neapolitan series to be particularly impactful, as it brings the characters' journeys to a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

Quick quotes

    In this last instalment, the Neapolitan series mutates into a weightier exploration of the sinister psychology of friendship.

    The novel examines friendship, motherhood, politics, class conflict, and the project of writing.

    The rage and ferocious integrity of this novel are thanks to Ferrante's head-on exploration of feminism, motherhood, love and friendship.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2015-08-31
engaging 4.00

The book was enjoyed for the most part, but the protagonist's infatuation with Nino was seen as problematic. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters were highly praised.

Tony loved The Story of the Lost Child for its emotional depth and the complex portrayal of the characters. The narrative's exploration of friendship, love, and personal growth was particularly compelling. However, Tony found Lenù's infatuation with Nino to be a recurring issue that somewhat detracted from the overall experience. The book's ability to delve into the intricacies of human relationships made it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I loved The Story of the Lost Child for the most part.

    The one issue I had with the book was Lenù's infatuation with Nino.

    The emotional depth and complexity of the characters were highly praised.

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