The Lost Daughter

by Elena Ferrante
The Lost Daughter cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8220
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781609451035
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2012-09-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Leda, a devoted English teacher and mother, finds herself unexpectedly liberated when her daughters leave home. She takes a holiday by the sea in southern Italy, hoping for peace and quiet. However, her trip takes a menacing turn when she encounters a disruptive family, triggering memories of her unconventional choices as a mother and their lasting consequences. Elena Ferrante's novel delves into the intricate emotions tied to motherhood, offering a candid and perceptive meditation on the complexities of womanhood. The story shifts from a serene rediscovery of self to a fierce confrontation with an unsettled past, making it Ferrante's most compelling exploration of these themes yet.

Reviews
Big Fiction Magazine · 2025-12-21
admiring 4.50

The book is admired for its ability to delve into the inner workings of its form and extend these strategies into a compelling narrative. The exploration of womanhood and motherhood is both perceptive and compelling.

Big Fiction Magazine highlights 'The Lost Daughter' for its capacity to delve deeply into the inner workings of its form, creating a rich and compelling narrative. The review praises the book's exploration of womanhood and motherhood, noting its perceptive and compelling nature. The reviewer finds the book to be a masterful work that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of these relationships.

Quick quotes

    What I admire about Elena Ferrante's The Lost Daughter is its capacity to delve heavily from the inner workings of the form.

    The book is a compelling and perceptive meditation on womanhood and motherhood.

    The exploration of conflicting emotions that tie us to our children is both deep and insightful.

Medium · Andrew Lampe · 2021-11-28
masterful 4.75

The book is considered a masterwork, though not as favoured as Ferrante's Neapolitan series. It's a deeply descriptive and intense read that leaves a lasting impact.

Andrew Lampe considers 'The Lost Daughter' a masterwork, though he notes it may not be as widely favoured as Ferrante's Neapolitan series. They appreciated the book's deeply descriptive and intense narrative, which leaves a lasting impact. Lampe found the book to be a profound exploration of the psychological aspects of motherhood, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. The review highlights the book's ability to delve into the inner workings of the form, extending these strategies into a powerful narrative.

Quick quotes

    The book is a masterwork, perhaps not as favoured as Ferrante's Neapolitan 'My Brilliant Friend' series.

    It's an intensely descriptive read that leaves a lasting impression.

    The book delves heavily from the inner workings of the form, and to extend these strategies into a powerful narrative.

Guardian Bookshop · 2021-11-25
great 4.25

The novel is a compelling meditation on womanhood and motherhood, exploring the conflicting emotions that tie us to our children.

This book is a deep dive into what it means to be a woman and a mother. It's not afraid to tackle the conflicting emotions that come with these roles. The story is compelling and thought-provoking, making you reflect on your own experiences and feelings. It's a powerful exploration of the complexities of motherhood.

Quick quotes

    The Lost Daughter is a compelling and perceptive meditation on womanhood and motherhood.

    Exploring the conflicting emotions that tie us to our children.

    A dark, gritty, and very psychological narrative.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2016-12-22
thoughtful 4.00

The book delves into the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, highlighting how a loving bond can sometimes feel suffocating. The narrative is introspective and thought-provoking, offering a deep exploration of womanhood and motherhood.

Tony's review of 'The Lost Daughter' focuses on the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters, emphasizing how a bond that starts as beautiful can become overwhelming. They appreciate the introspective nature of the book, which provides a profound look into the emotions and conflicts tied to motherhood. The narrative's depth and honesty are particularly praised, making it a compelling read for those interested in the complexities of family relationships.

Quick quotes

    It's an examination of the relationship between mothers and daughters and the way a beautiful bond can feel as if it has turned into something suffocating.

    The narrative is introspective and thought-provoking.

    The book offers a deep exploration of womanhood and motherhood.

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