Scan barcode
A review by jenni28
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay by Elena Ferrante
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
I’ve devoured this series - and I think this is probably my favourite of the three I’ve read so far.
It continues to story of Elena and Lila, now older, with children and at a point where their lives have gone in very different directions and the intimacy of their younger years has definitely waned.
Like the other instalments of this series, the characters are quite infuriating. I think that they’re written in such a realistic way that you get angry at their many faults but can’t help feel empathetic for the difficult situations they find themselves in.
What I really enjoyed about this novel is that it is set against the backdrop of Italy in the 1960s/1970s - the “Years of Lead” and all the political violence and upheaval that goes along with that. I think the book explores some political ideas without shoving it down your throat, and I found it interesting to get an insight into that volatile period in Italian history through the eyes of the characters in the book.
I found the parts with Lila and the factory, the union campaign and the Communists and Fascist brawls, especially interesting, particularly given her central role in it. So often in these histories we get the story of the leaders of movements rather than the ordinary people who live through them and I found the account of Lila’s experience to be very thoughtful and believable.
I can really see why these books are so hyped. Can’t wait to start the last one!
It continues to story of Elena and Lila, now older, with children and at a point where their lives have gone in very different directions and the intimacy of their younger years has definitely waned.
Like the other instalments of this series, the characters are quite infuriating. I think that they’re written in such a realistic way that you get angry at their many faults but can’t help feel empathetic for the difficult situations they find themselves in.
What I really enjoyed about this novel is that it is set against the backdrop of Italy in the 1960s/1970s - the “Years of Lead” and all the political violence and upheaval that goes along with that. I think the book explores some political ideas without shoving it down your throat, and I found it interesting to get an insight into that volatile period in Italian history through the eyes of the characters in the book.
I can really see why these books are so hyped. Can’t wait to start the last one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism