My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, The Story of The Lost Child.
Could not put these books down. Beautifully written. For me a great read is like settling into a comfortable small boat on a quiet stream and floating purposefully. All four books are like that – you trust Elena Ferrante to deliver you safely and satisfactorily.
These books may be for women only. They are the story of love and small betrayals that often characterize female friendship: facts that are not shared, competition, estrangement, engagement. I could find facets of the 60 year friendship of Elena and Lila in my friends, hauntingly so.
Also enjoyed the turmoil of post-war Italy, especially Naples and the manner in which the educated and wealthy are separated from, but ultimately succumb to the underworld of corruption.
A must read!