On a mild fragrant spring evening a large group of Book Club members
were welcomed into the charming courtyard and then the intimate
interior of the legendary home on the via dell'Acquedotto
to discuss Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend.
The novel is set near Naples in the years just after WWII but opens
with the reflections of one of the two main characters, who are now in
their sixties, who has been contacted by the son of the other,
revealing that his mother has disappeared without a trace.
Knowing the recent outcome of their lives solves one question but
leaves many others open.
The novel is about escape and obviously they have both achieved it.
One is living in Turin and the other is no where to be found, yet. The
novel is the first of three and to learn the the outcome one would
need to read them all.
Elena and 'Lila' grew up in very traditional homes in a poor area of
Naples during a period which experienced great social change. Italian
life, particularly in the south was restrained, strongly influenced by
the church, tradition, ritual and even superstition. In addition, the effects
of the war were still felt and fear influenced much social discourse.
As the girls were growing up there was a great cultural shift toward
more humanistic self determination. Elena and Lila began to excel in
school, often in competition, they led each other on. Ultimately they
had to choose, to pursue the academic path or the traditional. There
is conjecture as to whether it is autobiographical.
Most found the girls' story either deeply moving or deeply
disturbing. It was both. Over and above their personal stories, it is
the image of great social upheaval. It represents a pivotal moment in
cultural history when the traditions of Church, home and family, and
women's roles began to change forever.
Margaret, who had suggested the book, loved the poignant portrayal of
the friendship and cited the comparison with moving post war novels such as
'Cristo Si รจ Fermato a Eboli, by Carlo Levi. She will read the rest
of the novels and hopefully report back to us; Krysia found it badly
translated, if not just badly written, but loved the sense of place;
Helen was enjoying the fantastical atmosphere; Isobel found it
difficult but could identify with the familial rivalries of Naples;
Barbara found it depressing, almost moved to tears; Salene said though
it wasn't a page turner, it did make you want to know how it would
continue and end; Bill puzzled over the glimpse into girldom that it
represented and though enjoyed it felt there were many things unexplained;
Cynthia found it an account of someone looking back, trying to be objective,
a case of one being locked in and the other moving on; Boo, did not enjoy it
but was fascinated by the theme of escape; Anne found it a sad book,
but a commendable insight into post war life in Naples; Elliot thought
it was a good, very vivid account of life in Naples, relationships
handled deftly, sensitively, odd in an interesting way, suggestive,
hidden sides to the characters and it read well; Janet enjoyed the
series of pictures painted, the portrayal of deprivation, ritualistic extreme
versions of life presented with subtle balance.
Thank you to our hosts for so graciously fitting us all in. As always the
food was superb and company delightful. Thank you to everyone who
participated and contributed.
We welcomed a new member Barbara, who recommended Sally Vickers, Miss Garnet's Angel to add to our on going reading list.
The next meetings are as follows:
Wednesday May 27 Bel Canto, Anne Pachette at Boo’s
June, White Masai, Corinne Hofmann
July, The Lowland, Jhumpa Lahiri
