The Story of the Lost Child
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The Story of the Lost Child
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The Story of the Lost Child
"Nothing quite like this has ever been published before," proclaimed The Guardian about the Neapolitan novels in 2014. Against the backdrop of a Naples that is as seductive as it is perilous and a world undergoing epochal change, Elena Ferrante tells the story of a lifelong friendship between two women with unmatched honesty and brilliance.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionElena, the reflective and intellectual protagonist, has tried to distance herself from the stifling environment of her youth by moving to Florence. Married and successful, she has carved out a name for herself as a novelist. However, the magnetic pull of Naples draws her back, thrusting her into a maelstorm of emotions and unresolved past tensions. Her return signifies not only a physical journey but an inward exploration of identity and ambition.
Lila, in contrast, has never managed to extricate herself from the city that shaped her. Her fierce and relentless nature has driven her to achieve notoriety and success as an entrepreneur. Yet, this proximity to her roots keeps her perilously close to the violence, corruption, and socio-political entanglements she despises. Her influence and involvement within the neighbourhood elevate her to an unspoken leadership role, marking her as an indomitable and unforgettable force.
Elena and Lila's intricate personalities and their ever-evolving friendship form the heart of the narrative. Their shared history serves as both a nostalgic memory and a constant reminder of their struggles for personal freedom and self-definition. As they navigate their adult lives, weathering the storms of marriage, parenthood, professional pressure, and personal loss, their differing responses to these challenges highlight the contrasts and contradictions that have always defined them.
The brilliance of The Story of the Lost Child lies not just in its portrayal of two extraordinary women, but also in its profound observation of the cultural and social dynamics of Naples. Ferrante masterfully depicts the city's gritty streets and vibrant community, making it a character in its own right, whose power shapes the lives of its inhabitants.
The four volumes of the Neapolitan Novels are a breathtaking saga that delves into the depths of friendship, identity, and societal constraints. Each novel stands as a testament to the enduring power of story, capturing the universal struggles and triumphs of its characters. Ferrante's rich, narrative style ensures that readers will return to these books time and again, finding new insights and experiencing fresh revelations with each read.
Series: Neapolitan Quartet
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante has been widely praised for its powerful narrative and gripping conclusion to the Neapolitan Quartet. Renowned for its portrayal of female friendship and feminism in mid-20th-century Naples, it has been described as compelling, vivid, and worthy of significant literary accolades. Critics commend it for its arresting and haunting qualities, marking it as an outstanding work in contemporary fiction.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781787702691
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 August 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Contributors:
- Translated by Ann Goldstein
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 400
About the Author
Elena Ferrante is the author of The Days of Abandonment (Europa, 2005), Troubling Love (Europa, 2006), The Lost Daughter (Europa, 2008), and the international best-selling Neapolitan Quartet. She is also the author of Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey; a children's picture book illustrated by Mara Cerri, The Beach at Night, and, most recently, a collection of essays entitled Incidental Inventions (Europa, 2019).
Ann Goldstein is one of the most accomplished translators from the Italian working today. Best known for her translations of Elena Ferrante's oeuvre, she has also translated novels by Primo Levi, Pierpaolo Pasolini and many more.
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