A review by pran
The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Although I enjoyed it, this was probably my least favourite of the quartet. It felt like Ferrante was quickly trying to wrap up the story and therefore just read like a recount of events, rather than a novel at times. I also felt like there were some plot-driven moments and more than in the previous book, which was a little disappointing.
There were also moments where the intention was probably to reveal to the reader the truth of people in the neighbourhood which young Elena never realised, but at times it just felt like a pile-on of information, rather than an artful reveal.
Having read the whole series, I realise the title of the first book was perhaps ironic, and Elena is often a very unreliable narrator. Elena's previous naiveté becomes truly apparent, as Lila and Nino are pretty much the same characters they've always been.
There were also moments where the intention was probably to reveal to the reader the truth of people in the neighbourhood which young Elena never realised, but at times it just felt like a pile-on of information, rather than an artful reveal.
Having read the whole series, I realise the title of the first book was perhaps ironic, and Elena is often a very unreliable narrator. Elena's previous naiveté becomes truly apparent, as Lila and Nino are pretty much the same characters they've always been.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence