Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

Die Geschichte eines neuen Namens by Elena Ferrante, Karin Krieger

50 reviews

codecat's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Minor: Pregnancy

iuniper's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It took me two volumes to understand the brilliance of this story, the exquisite craft hidden in the plain words, the gripping power of these characters' lives. They are raw and flawed and powerful. They explode off the page in their complexity, pulling you in into their world, in the Napoli of the 60s. Elena Greco tells the story with the precision of a surgeon. She analyses her feelings and the world surrounding her as if she were in the OR, dissecting every single thought that passes through her mind, trying to understand its origin in an attempt to understand herself better, and the world. But she is not a Mary Sue. Elena Ferrante knows how to expose her protagonist's biases and flaws and flawed judgement through clear, raw writing. Lenu and Lila are two stories that mirror each other, two peas in the same pond. They both lied to become part of a world that was outside their reach. They both were disappointed, heartbroken, angry. They both wanted to become better than the sum of their parts, their history, of their family. They grow apart, and they grow closer because, in the end, they only have each other. I am so excited to read the next books. 

Hands down one of the best books I have read in recent years. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Pregnancy

theyley's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, and Classism

hannahhansa's review against another edition

dark reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am gripped and thoroughly shaken by Elena Ferrante’s writing. The emotions that course through me on completing a book of hers feel violent and life altering.  I have no words.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment

elisaviihde's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence

anna_catherine73's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series of books draws you in like nothing else I have ever read and moves you in such an intense way. Some of the best books I have read in a really long time, I have a never ending love for the Neapolitan novels.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Suicide

calireisreading's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A longer and more challenging read compared to the first volume, I found this second installment interesting and engaging, despite it dealing with heavier themes (again, please check the content warnings); some chapters and scenes were difficult to read,

especially those of domestic abuse between Lila and Stefano, starting from their first wedding night

. The friendship-rivalry between Lila and Elena is further developed and grows with them, taking on more mature characteristics while still retaining some childlike traits.
The writing style is impeccable as it was in the first book and flows just as well, each sentence is meaningful and balanced.
Overall, a solid read, unpleasant at times because of the challenging themes, but meaningful and impactful.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence

Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Miscarriage and Suicide

ekg's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse and Toxic relationship

Minor: Cursing, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder

lindseyhall44's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Even if your better than me, even if you know more things, don’t leave me.”
The complexities of the female friendship  is a concept I have always noted in my life, yet struggled to articulate. However, Ferrante puts these universal experiences into words, so captivating and raw that the reflections of my life becomes clearer.
The Story of a New Name follows Elena and Lila, two friends on different paths, as their lives diverge and reconvene on the cusp of adulthood.
Although the environment and lifestyle situation of Lila and Elena vary dramatically from my own, I can’t help but see fragments of my past relationships in theirs. The care and precision of the intertwining plot lines envelops the reader into the lives of these women, creating a searing glimpse into the politics, class, and social elements of 1950’s Naples Italy. It truly feels like I am growing up with Elena and Lila, and their perspective is not one I would want to lose to the world.
This is a brilliant read, and I would recommend to anyone interested (though please check trigger warnings).

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abortion, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

asdin's review against another edition

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence