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My Brilliant Friend

The Neapolitan Novels, Book 1

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My Brilliant Friend

By: Elena Ferrante
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
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Now an HBO series: the first volume in the New York Times bestselling “enduring masterpiece” (The Atlantic) about a lifelong friendship between two women from Naples

Beginning in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, Elena Ferrante’s four-volume story spans almost sixty years, as its main characters, the fiery and unforgettable Lila and the bookish narrator, Elena, become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship.

This first novel in the series follows Lila and Elena from their fateful meeting as ten-year-olds through their school years and adolescence. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between two women.

©2011 Edizioni E/O. Translation © 2012 by Europa Editions (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Italy
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Critic reviews

“One of the more nuanced portraits of feminine friendship in recent memory.”

“An intoxicatingly furious portrait of enmeshed friends…Ferrante writes with such aggression and unnerving psychological insight about the messy complexity of female friendship .”

“Ferrante’s freshness has nothing to do with fashion…it is imbued with the most haunting music of all, the echoes of literary history.”

“Ferrante, beautifully translated by Ann Goldstein…writes with a ferocious, intimate urgency.”

“Hillary Huber’s subtly shaded performance couldn’t be better as she reveals the complexities that separate and connect the two women…Ferrante’s dense, rich prose provides the perfect palette for Huber’s artistry. Huber’s delivery of this well-plotted, absorbing story of friendship will leave listeners wanting more.”

“This gorgeous novel should bring a host of new readers to one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors.”

“Ferrante’s unflinching and insightful prose…is captivating and hopeful.”

“It is Lila and her dreams and caprices that drive everything…Lila, mercurial, unsparing, and…seemingly capable of starting a full-scale neighborhood war, is a memorable character.”

“What is most essential to the story is what is most essential in all our stories: love, loss, sex, marriage, children, friendship, family, dreams, and everything in between.”

“Hillary Huber’s subtly shaded performance couldn’t be better as she reveals the complexities that separate and connect the two women. When adult Elena learns that her volatile, impulsive childhood companion has disappeared, she decides to write Lila’s story and the story of their lives together. Ferrante’s dense, rich prose provides the perfect palette for Huber’s artistry. She draws clear portraits of each woman and her family, as well as the small town outside of Naples where they live just after WWII. Huber’s delivery of this well-plotted, absorbing story of friendship will leave listeners wanting more.
All stars
Most relevant
This book has found a place in my top 10 audiobooks. It is a story of friendship, told from the point of view of Lenu, she tells about her, and her best friend Lila's childhood, the harsh life they had growing up in Naples in the 1950s and their relationship to one another, each of them is defined by the other.
I started reading the book for a book group and downloaded the audio book as I was busy at the time and wasn't sure I would finish the book in time, so thought I'd be able to cram the story into any spare gaps with the audiobook. Very quickly the book fell by the wayside and I found myself listening to the audiobook for long stretches.
The authors style is nothing I have previously encountered, her prose is spare at a time when most novels tends towards the poetic. The narration is in keeping with the style of the story and is never overly dramatic. The Italian pronunciation was a highlight for me. This may make the story sound boring but in fact the opposite is true, it was refreshing to have the story told frankly and without frills, as if a friend were telling you the story of their life. I think this is part of the reason why so many people love this book.
Add to this the mystery of the author, who has chosen to remain anonymous. There is even some speculation that the author may be a man, although I doubt this, given the inherent underlying feminist principles adopted in the story telling.
I was very sad when this finished but delighted to know that the story continued with the next book, "Story of a New Name".
In summary, this is a book that you will either love or hate. I hope like me, you love it.

A brutally honest account of growing up in Naples

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Where does My Brilliant Friend rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The subject is appealing , A young girl growing up in 1960 Naples , Some part touchingly reminiscent of my own youth , but I found the male characters difficult to distinguish and ultimately the dreary narration did spoil things for me .

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lela of course !

Would you be willing to try another one of Hillary Huber’s performances?

Sorry No. I found her narration flat and dreary and some of her pronunciation odd .It lacked the lively emotional ups and downs and there was little differentiation in the characters 'voices'

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A story of mid century growth into womanhood , set in a beautiful place but with all of the challenges of pre liberation of woman and troubles of education versus family expectations

Any additional comments?

I have to say that I would recommend this book but suggest it would be better read rather than listened to

good story disappointing naration

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would, and frequently do, wholeheartedly recommend Elena Ferrante to friends. Reading EF is a totally immersive experience. The writing is wonderful without being self-conscious.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Brilliant Friend?

Probably Lina's wedding night.

Which character – as performed by Hillary Huber – was your favourite?

Lina. Lina was my favourite friend. Hilary Huber got her tone just right.

Any additional comments?

These are truly wonderful books. Weeks after reading them I am still in that Neapolitan neighbourhood, surrounded by squalor and violence to witness the palpable yearning of two little girls whose ambitions could not be contained within its boundaries.

I'm now reading them, and savouring them all over again.

An Amazing Quarter

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Absolutely fantastic first part of this Neapolitan epic. I have listened at every available moment. Can't wait to start the second part, The Story of a New Name. The narrator's voice is perfect for the audio series.

The epic I have been searching for

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Great book about being a girl growing up in Naples, about education, poverty and friendship

Evocative

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