My Brilliant Friend

My Brilliant Friend is a novel written by Elena Ferrante and first published in 2011. This book is the first in the Neapolitan Novels series, and it tells the story of a lifelong friendship between two girls growing up in post-war Naples.

Told from the perspective of the main character, Elena Greco, the novel explores themes of female friendship, poverty, and the role of education in shaping one’s future. The story begins with Elena receiving a phone call from her childhood friend, Raffaella Lila Cerullo, informing her that Lila has disappeared without a trace. This news triggers Elena’s memory, and she begins to narrate the story of their friendship.

The novel takes place in the 1950s and follows the lives of Elena and Lila as they navigate their adolescence in a poor neighborhood of Naples. Despite their different family backgrounds – Elena coming from a relatively stable, middle-class family and Lila growing up in poverty – the two become inseparable friends. The dynamics of their relationship are complex, with both girls feeling both love and envy towards each other.

As they grow up, Elena and Lila’s paths diverge, with Elena managing to receive a proper education and Lila being forced to drop out of school and work in her family’s shoemaking business. However, this does not stop their friendship from enduring, as both girls continue to confide in each other.

Through Elena and Lila’s story, Ferrante paints a vivid and raw portrayal of the realities of growing up in impoverished Naples. She also explores the impact of societal expectations on women and the opportunities available to them. Despite the obstacles they face, Elena and Lila are determined to carve out their own paths and break free from the limitations set by their class and gender.

Interestingly, the author of My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante, is a pseudonym. The true identity of the author remains a mystery, with Ferrante choosing to remain anonymous and let her books speak for themselves. This has sparked much speculation and fascination from readers, with some even comparing her to the elusive J.D. Salinger.

In conclusion, My Brilliant Friend is a beautifully written and captivating novel that explores the complexities of female friendship and the struggles of growing up in poverty. Ferrante’s writing is both haunting and powerful, and she skillfully captures the nuances of human relationships. As Elena says in the novel, She (Lila) always saw herself in the mirror of others. She’d never even realized it. This statement reflects the underlying theme of identity and the impact that others have on shaping who we are. Overall, My Brilliant Friend is a must-read for anyone interested in a compelling and thought-provoking story.