I saw Lila for the last time five years ago, in the winter of 2005. We were walking along the stradone, early in the morning and, as had been true for years now, were unable to feel at ease. I was the only one talking, I remember: she was humming, she greeted people who didn't respond, the rare times she interrupted me she uttered only exclamations, without any evident relation to what I was saying. Too many bad things, and some terrible, had happened over the years, and to regain our old intimacy we would have had to speak our secret thoughts, but I didn't have the strength to find the words and she, who perhaps had the strength, didn't have the desire, didn't see the use.Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
by Elena Ferrante
You're probably getting tired of me talking about Ferrante's Neopolitan Novels by now, but I am totally consumed... currently by this third book in the series. Once again, I have also downloaded the audio version so I can continue 'reading' on my walk, in the car, etc.
I'm not going to include the goodreads summary this time, as there are potential spoilers if you have not read the second book. Instead, I'll just say that Elena and Lila, the two girls introduced in My Brilliant Friend, have become women with very different lives.
Are you tempted to begin this series?
Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
JoAnn, I need to read this one, as I enjoyed the first 2 in the series. You MUST go back and read Ferrante's earlier books -- I think there are 3 which I read and reviewed --so good.
ReplyDeleteGreat intro BTW - really drew me in
Diane - I will definitely go back and read her earlier work.. The Lost Daughter is on my shelf (pretty sure I remember reading about it on your blog). Are there others you recommend?
DeleteYour enthusiasm is contagious!
ReplyDeleteBeth F - And I don't usually read series ;-)
DeleteI am definitely tempted to read the series. You've been so enthusiastic about it and that is really appealing. It's on my list, JoAnn.
ReplyDeleteKay - They are very well-written and the characters are fascinating.
DeleteI am definitely intrigued by the excerpts you have shared, and while I hadn't planned on starting another series, I am especially drawn to this one. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain Snow - Series are such a commitment... it takes a lot for me to start one!
DeleteIt does sound like an interesting series. It probably is something I wouldn't pick up except for your strong recommendation. I am glad you are enjoying it so far!
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - I took me a while to warm up to the first book, but then I couldn't stop!
DeleteI love the writing in the intro, and your enthusiasm is very tempting indeed. :)
ReplyDeleteMonica - Her writing is lovely. I'm impressed with the translator, too!
DeleteThe intro sounds intriguing- need to go back to the beginning though I think.
ReplyDeleteEmma - They say the second book stands alone, but I think you'll appreciate it more if you start at the beginning.
DeleteLOL. Too funny JoAnn. You're binge reading and listening. I'm still on the first one but should finish it up this week I think. I have a ways to go to catch up to you. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteDarlene - And I'm not usually a binge reader! The writing is wonderful and I am totally caught up in Lila and Elena's lives. Hillary Huber's narration is excellent, too.
DeleteI agree JoAnn. Her voice is perfect for the tone of these books.
DeleteVicki - This is an intense series!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure. In the right mood maybe. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteDonna - This could definitely be a mood-dependant series!
DeleteThis sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - This is a great series!
DeleteGood introduction. You've got me intrigued.
ReplyDeleteMystica - My Brilliant Friend is the first novels in this series.
DeleteI love the passage that you quoted.
ReplyDeleteThe writing is very good. In addition, though it only provides a tiny glimpse of the characters, they sound intriguing. Whatever went on between them also sounds intriguing.
Brian Joseph - These characters are both interesting and intense. The writing is very good... I'm impressed with the translator, too.
DeleteI love Europa editions and I look forward to someday reading this series.
ReplyDeleteCare - Europa publishes such high quality books. Haven't read a ton of them, but every one was has been something special.
DeleteOh, yes - I am definitely ready to start to start this series. Not sure what's keeping me lol.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Probably that "so many books, so little time" thing ;-)
DeleteI really need to look into this series because your love for it is contagious. Keep it up and I'll be pulling it into my NTR (NEED to read) pile. ;)
ReplyDeleteKathy - Love the idea of a NEED to read pile... one more tier for my books ;-)
DeleteI collect Europas (although it is a pretty meager collection) so I definitely plan to buy the first book in the series. I already have a book by Ferrante, just haven't read it yet.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - I've never met a Europa I haven't liked! I have one of Ferrante's earlier books, too - The Lost Daughter. May end up starting that as soon as I finish book 3 of this series.
DeleteI'm still early in book 1, but am absorbed in Lila's and Elena's lives. Thanks so much for reviewing and recommending these books!
ReplyDeleteJaneGS - I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I'm am totally sucked into Lila and Elena's lives right now. Book 2 is even better than the first...about 40% done with book 3 now and not sure where it will end up!
DeleteIt sounds good to me although I'm slightly worried at how contagious this series sounds!
ReplyDeleteCleo - My advice is to clear your reading calendar before beginning! ;-)
DeleteIf you weren't talking about these books I would never have added them to my TBR!! Especially because I didn't like the covers at all, and err... this is embarrassing... but I do judge books by their covers sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAthira - I have been known to judge a book by it's cover myself, but what's funny is that I loved the cover of the first book (My Brilliant Friend), was neutral about the second and like this one :)
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