by Elena Ferrante
ISBN: 9-781925-240009
First published 2012
331 pages
Cover design by W.H.Chong
Translated by Ann Goldstein
Publisher: Text Publishing
6/5 Stars
A remarkable journey into the lives of two friends. An electric account, all the more fascinating because it deals with the intricate minutiae of growing up. Spots? Shoe sizes? periods? ‘Orrible teachers?
Set in southern Naples post-World War 2, their village is poor but growing. Friendships are made and broken. Husbands argue with their wives, dreams are made and shattered. As children, they grow up in a world that is changing around them.
But it is the writing that excels. Simple things like dancing, walking, writing, reading are imbued with an electricity that make them sound ultra-fantastic. As if there was only ever one dance at that moment, one walk at that time, one book in your hands to read, only one poem you could ever craft.
The author transports you to the time and place. You feel you are there in the crowd, with the two friends together as they meet, part and meet again.
You too, are a friend of the author’s Brilliant Friend.
The Eclectic Book Review 