The final book of the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante, 'The Story of the Lost Child' delves into the lifelong friendship between Elena and Lila, spanning from their 30s to their 60s. The story follows their marriages, divorces, motherhood, and successes, all while living in the same Naples neighborhood with a history of violence and crime. The series explores the complex relationship between the two women, touching on themes of tragedy, parenting, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of Italy's cultural and political landscape.
Ferrante's writing style in 'The Story of the Lost Child' is described as emotionally impactful, with intricate details and compelling character development. The narrative is praised for its honesty in dissecting friendships, relationships, and life decisions, making the story feel both universal and personal. The series is commended for its exploration of themes like feminism, Italian politics, and the characters' growth as they navigate through life's complexities.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers may include themes of loss, emotional distress, family dysfunction, misogyny, and infidelity.
Has Romance?
Romantic relationships are central to the narrative, primarily revolving around Elena and her romantic choices, especially involving Nino.
From The Publisher:
The Neapolitan Quartet Book Four
The "stunning conclusion" to the bestselling saga of the fierce lifelong bond between two women, from a gritty Naples childhood through old age (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
The Story of the Lost Child concludes the dazzling saga of two women, the brilliant, bookish Elena and the fiery, uncontainable Lila, who first met amid the shambles of postwar Italy. In this book, life's great discoveries have been made; its vagaries and losses have been suffered. Through it all, the women's friendship remains the gravitational center of their lives.
Both women once fought to escape the neighborhood in which they grew up. Elena married, moved to Florence, started a family, and published several well-received books. But now, she has returned to Naples to be with the man she has always loved. Lila, on the other hand, never succeeded in freeing herself from Naples. She has become a successful entrepreneur, but her success draws her into closer proximity with the nepotism, chauvinism, and criminal violence that infect her neighborhood. Yet, somehow, this proximity to a world she has always rejected only brings her role as unacknowledged leader of that world into relief.
"Lila is a magnificent character." -The Atlantic
"Everyone should read anything with Ferrante's name on it." -The Boston Globe
Ratings (12)
Incredible (8) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (19):
Read It (12) | |
Want To Read (7) |
What can you read after
The Story of the Lost Child?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
