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megansoetaert's review against another edition
4.25
the complex relationship between Elena and Lila was written so well. i felt like i knew the two girls, and often felt like i had to hide behind my hands because girls still act like that sometimes!! i really enjoyed the commentary on class and injustice in that era of Italy.
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Rape
katharina90's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
I appreciated the glimpses into what life was like in an impoverished Naples neighborhood in the 1950s and beyond.
I came away with the impression that it was dark and violent, particularly for women, and that the rampant sexism of this time and place deeply affected female friendships, often turning them toxic and jealous rather than supportive and empowering.
While this may be accurate and valuable from an educational standpoint, I didn't find it very enjoyable to read. It made the characters really unlikeable and so I wasn't invested in their story. I just wanted to get through it.
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Ableism, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
studydniowka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
kennedylizrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia and Sexism
kaiulanilee's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
nadiaherondale's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Violence
filipateodoro's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Violence
dafni's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexism and Gaslighting
danidamico's review against another edition
3.5
My Brilliant Friend fue una de mis lecturas más anticipadas durante un par de años; siempre incluía al libro en mi lista de pendientes para leer. Todos parecen amar esta novela (y tetralogía) de Ferrante, por eso siento que hay algo que me perdí, ya que no sentí lo mismo. El libro me gustó, lo leí en pocos días de principio a fin porque evidentemente logró captar mi interés, pero no me conmovió como esperaba. Para amar un libro necesito que me conmueva, que me haga llorar o reír, que me impacte de algún modo, que me incomode. Que me haga sentir algo. Lamentablemente en este caso el estilo narrativo impidió que conectara con lo que iba pasando en el relato, no sé si es culpa de la traducción, pero la escritura me pareció torpe, dura, poco evocativa. Todo el tiempo sentía que estaba leyendo una traducción, cosa que, en mi opinión, no debería pasar si el texto fluye. Por eso es que, si bien me enganché con las vidas de Lenu y Lila, no llegué a formar un vínculo emocional.
Sí me gustó la forma en la que Ferrante aborda el clasismo, la diferencia entre clases sociales y todo lo que eso genera, también el progreso repentino que surgió en Italia después de la Segunda Guerra. Se abordan varios temas que me interesan muchísimo, cómo la violencia contra las mujeres en una sociedad tan machista. En fin, creí que iba a volverme loca con este libro, parecía tener todos los elementos necesarios para atraparme, sin embargo el tono, el estilo narrativo, la traducción (?) impidieron que realmente conectara. No voy a seguir con la tetralogía, tengo demasiados libros pendientes y siento que no vale la pena continuar con esta saga; lo que sí probablemente haga en algún momento es mirar la serie de HBO, creo que eso me engancharía mucho más.
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Classism