The Ferrante Letters: An Experiment in Collective Criticism

by Jill Richards, Katherine Hill, Merve Emre & Sarah Chihaya
The Ferrante Letters: An Experiment in Collective Criticism cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Anthologies (Multi-author)
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  • ID: 8217
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • ISBN: 9780231550888
  • Publisher: Columbia University Press
  • Published: 2020-01-07
  • Reviews: 3

The Ferrante Letters is a unique literary project that combines the personal and the critical. Four critics—Sarah Chihaya, Merve Emre, Katherine Hill, and Juno Jill Richards—engage in a series of letters to explore Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels. Their correspondence is both a deep dive into Ferrante's work and a demonstration of a new way of reading and thinking together, blending academic rigor with the intimacy of a book club. /n/n This collaborative effort, which the authors call collective criticism, offers a fresh approach to literary analysis. The letters reveal the authors' lives outside the academy and the creative process behind their readings, making the book a compelling read for both Ferrante fans and literary scholars seeking innovative methods of intellectual exchange.

Reviews
World Literature Today · 2020-11-01
insightful 4.50

This study is one of the most incisive analyses of Elena Ferrante's work to date. The experiment in collective criticism offers a novel and insightful approach to understanding the author's impact.

World Literature Today praises this book as a groundbreaking study of Elena Ferrante's work. The collaborative effort of the authors provides a multifaceted view of Ferrante's novels, highlighting the depth and complexity of her writing. This approach not only enriches the reader's understanding but also sets a new standard for literary criticism. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Ferrante's work or the broader implications of collective criticism.

Quick quotes

    One of the most incisive studies of Elena Ferrante to date

    The outcome of an experiment in criticism

    Offers a novel and insightful approach to understanding the author's impact

Tony's Reading List · 2020-04-19
enlightening 4.00

The book provides insightful perspectives on why readers enjoy Elena Ferrante's novels. Even if not all viewpoints resonate, the collective criticism offers a unique approach to understanding the author's work.

This book is a treasure trove for Ferrante enthusiasts and literary scholars alike. It delves into the collective experience of reading and interpreting Ferrante's work, offering a variety of perspectives that enrich the reading experience. The authors' collaborative approach provides a fresh and engaging way to explore the themes and characters in Ferrante's novels. However, not every reader will connect with all the contributors' viewpoints, which adds to the richness and diversity of the discussion.

Quick quotes

    It provides nice insights into why other people enjoyed the novels

    Their reactions to the novels are varied and thought-provoking

    A unique and collaborative approach to literary criticism

Reddit - Literature · Jennifer Williams · 2020-01-13
thought-provoking 4.00

The book explores how readers can influence each other while maintaining their own ideas. It is a fascinating experiment in collective reading and criticism.

Jennifer Williams delves into the intriguing experiment of reading Elena Ferrante's work collectively. The book offers a unique perspective on how readers can engage with literature together, sharing insights and interpretations without losing their individual viewpoints. This collaborative approach not only enhances the reading experience but also fosters a deeper understanding of the text. The experiment is both innovative and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to the discourse on literary criticism.

Quick quotes

    How do you let others influence you while retaining your own ideas?

    Four literary critics tried to find out

    A fascinating experiment in collective reading and criticism

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