The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante | Series Review and Discussion | Runwright Reads

[@elizabethtan4221]

I’m only halfway through the 2nd book but I just find Lila so detestable, and am actually sympathetic toward Lenu. I found so many reviews saying Lenu is an unlikeable character and I understand that both are unlikeable to an extent but I really find Lila unbearable. She’s selfish, manipulative, gaslights Lenu constantly, egocentric and treats everyone around her horribly. I would love to know why people love her instead of Lenu who always tries to do the right thing, even if she may be perceived as weak, at least she has integrity and morals. Would like to hear more discussions on this, great review!

[@strawberryorange3755]

Have you finished all four books now?

[@KayAmpersand]

Oh, that was so nice of you - and you are right, the reading together made this story really stand out. This was a great overview. I only realized what a feat we have achieved when you put all these books together :) I love how your opinion of Lenu never changed :)

[@currentcontents]

Hello!! Thank you so much for putting together this comprehensive review of the series. I just finished the final book last night and felt very relieved to find this video of your insights. I would love to hear your final thoughts about how why you think Lila is the true narrator of the book.

[@sarahgrebinoski1364]

Me too

[@CarlasBookBits]

I really gotta check out these books. I have heard the hype on them, but I didn't know about the mystery surrounding the author until now! SO intriguing, and Elena sounds a realistic character. I must try the first book the next time I see it at the library.

[@CulinaryGuide]

Excellent book review. I really ❤️ love your deep dive analysis.

[@KainUndAbelBooks]

Thank you for this wise and profound review!

[@lameshahale2990]

GREAT GREAT REVIEW!! I've had these books on my shelf for over a yr smh. I am excited to pick them up now

[@RunwrightReads]

That's awesome, LaMesha. I look forward to hearing what you think about these novels when you read them. It's a journey but a good one to take.

[@lameshahale2990]

+Runwright Reads Thanks for encouraging me 😀

[@RunwrightReads]

of course... my buddy read partner encouraged me so I'm just passing it on ;-)

[@sarahgrebinoski1364]

Loved your video! You made some very interesting points here like your explanation of dissolving margins. I read all 4 books (just finished the 4th one 2 days ago). I want to discuss the meaning of the ending.

[@faceless_woman]

Very comprehensive review. I agreed with nearly every point you made. Not sure about your theory of Lila as the author, especially because the HBO series is now out and does not support that idea. However, I'm intrigued by the discussion of what happens to a prodigy/genius who is not able to access their potential (and maybe... more relevant here.... a FEMALE prodigy) ? I think Ferrante did an excellent job of examining this from all angles and illustration it with touches of insanity layered with anguish. I've never seen that in a novel before. Thank you for doing this review. You did an excellent job.

[@heathermiller9707]

This was excellent. Thank you.

[@claudiaferreira585]

I loved the series, the raw descriptions, the evolution of the caracters, the portrait of the 20th century Italy. (I think we ought to leave the writer alone, some stuff written on this book, true or not, could lead to serious problems with "the mob".)

[@kileylaurellraica1857]

I just finished this series! So amazing!

[@normavizcaino57]

I think we should mind our business the author clearly value her privacy and we should respect as payment for the beautiful art she has given us.

[@blacko7467]

yeah , I think lila is actual narrator too , because italian litrature has this kinds of feature that they call their lover by their name like call me by your name movie , so the idea maybe comes from here ; that lila introduce her life by lenu's narrating ;And this is a very interesting and perfect and new method in literature that the first person describes himself in third person And also I think this book is a masterpiece ,And a genius like Lila must have a masterpiece like this

[@RunwrightReads]

Thanks for your comment. It's good to hear your perspective on how the overlaying of Lila and Lenu's narrative might be characteristic of Italian literature.

[@thewayfarerswaystation5907]

I even think that Rino could of been the lost child. He lost his way and never seemed to find it unlike Elena's daughters.

[@stella8837]

I'm honestly so confused by the last book, I can't figure out who the narrator is, or what time period it is, or who a lot of the characters are... Help!

[@stefp2773]

Stella she said the computer evolved so I Guess it must be 1990

[@lighto2240]

The narrator is lenu, it's always lenu

[@drplando14]

I just finished it. I started reading it in May and I could not put it down.

[@emmylou-y4b]

Wonderful reviews.

[@Interp66]

Thank you for sharing!

[@RunwrightReads]

And thank you for watching

[@browngirlreading]

Sadly I wasn’t over the moon about Book 1 however will eventually continue read book 2 to make my final decision to either stop or continue. Stopped watching your video though because of spoilers.

[@RunwrightReads]

Thanks for the comment, Didi. The novels have a kind of writing style that I know won't appeal to everyone so I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you continue.

[@cherbysinora7605]

Brown Girl Reading there’s a show

[@timetoread1795]

Okay I need to reread this series!

[@RunwrightReads]

Nice! This is a series I could see rereading and enjoying even more the second time around.

[@azaadbhat5253]

Very remarkable discussion.......... Love from kashmir.

[@fatima80231]

Audiobooks made it do much better.

[@RunwrightReads]

I am not a big audiobook consumer although I think, especially for translated books, it might help to hear the book read by someone whose accent would add to the experience.

[@HierarchyofReads]

Me to me: No more books. Read what is already on your TBR. Also me: Clearly I need to pick up My Brilliant Friend. Haha, thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

[@RunwrightReads]

Haha. The same thing happens to me when I watch videos ;-) I hope you read and enjoy it though.

[@HierarchyofReads]

I likely will: I can't really recall reading a book (at least recently) about a friendship, and honestly that sounds rather lovely right about now. :D Thanks for the rec!