My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of friendship and the intricate depiction of Naples. Readers appreciate the complex, evolving characters and the authenticity of Ferrante's writing. Criticisms include its sometimes slow pace and the dense intertwining of multiple characters' stories, which can be challenging to follow.

Readers who enjoy My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante typically appreciate intricate character development, rich narratives, and explorations of female friendship. Fans of Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt may find this novel compelling due to its profound emotional depth and complex relationships.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante follows the dynamic friendship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo set against the backdrop of 1950s Naples. The narrative, seen through Elena’s eyes, explores their differing life paths: Elena's academic achievements contrast with Lila's early engagement and marriage. Tensions arise as their personal and romantic lives intertwine, revealing societal pressures and personal aspirations. The novel addresses sexual assault.

Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Nostalgic / Bittersweet

- My Brilliant Friend is the first book in what is known as the Neapolitan Novels, a four-part series by the enigmatic author Elena Ferrante, who has opted to remain anonymous since her debut.
- The book was adapted into an HBO television series, also titled My Brilliant Friend, which premiered in 2018 and received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the complex Italian setting and rich character development.
- Translating Ferrante's works into multiple languages has contributed to a resurgence in interest in contemporary Italian literature around the world, making her one of Italy's most internationally recognized authors.

**Elena Greco**  
The first-person narrator and protagonist, Elena is a studious and charming girl who excels in school and forms a lifelong friendship with Lila, striving to write about their shared past.

**Lila Cerullo**  
A fiercely independent and autodidactic girl, Lila is a brilliant and rebellious character whose life choices heavily influence Elena's narrative.

**Rino Cerullo**  
Lila’s excitable older brother, who often rebels against their father and becomes involved in Lila's life decisions.

**Fernando Cerullo**  
The shoemaker father of Lila and Rino, who struggles with Lila’s scholastic ambitions and later becomes involved in family business arrangements.

**Elena’s Mother**  
An overworked housewife who is critical of Elena’s education and opportunities, revealing her motherly concern through sometimes cynical remarks.

**Elena’s Father**  
A city hall porter, gentle but authoritative, who supports Elena’s education as long as she excels, showing a more accepting view than Fernando Cerullo.

**Don Achille Carracci**  
A powerful yet feared figure in the neighborhood involved in illicit activities, whose appearance differs from the monstrous perception others have of him.

**Stefano Carracci**  
A wealthy grocer and influential young man who courts Lila, initially appearing gentlemanly and business-minded.

**Pasquale Peluso**  
A construction-worker with Communist beliefs and unrequited love for Lila, who remains critical of the neighborhood's powerful families.

**Melina Cappuccio**  
A mentally unstable widow who becomes infatuated with Donato Sarratore, leading to social ridicule and family struggles.

**Antonio Cappuccio**  
Melina’s disciplined son who works as an auto-mechanic, he forms a romantic relationship with Elena and strives for respectability.

**Ada Cappuccio**  
Melina’s physically mature daughter who faces vulnerability in the neighborhood and later receives help from Stefano Carracci.

**Donato Sarratore**  
A conductor and writer with a seemingly respectable exterior, involved in controversial relationships within the neighborhood.

**Nino Sarratore**  
Handsome and intellectual, Nino captures Elena's romantic interest and shares an admiration for Lila’s intelligence.

**Marcello Solara**  
A powerful and handsome figure from a prominent neighborhood family, who pursues Lila despite her aversion to him.

**Maestra Oliviero**  
The stern elementary school teacher who recognizes and nurtures Elena and Lila’s academic talents, playing a significant role in their early education.

Elena Ferrante

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Before You Read

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Overview

Explore My Brilliant Friend: a deep dive into Elena Ferrante's novel on friendship, identity, and rivalry in post-war Naples. Get key insights and analysis here.

My Brilliant Friend Summary and Study Guide

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Prologue: “Eliminating All the Traces”

Prologue

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My Brilliant Friend  Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Childhood: The Story of Don Achille”

Part 1, Chapters 1-18

My Brilliant Friend  Part 1, Chapters 1-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Adolescence: The Story of the Shoes”

Part 2, Chapters 1-22

My Brilliant Friend  Part 2, Chapters 1-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-43

My Brilliant Friend  Part 2, Chapters 23-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 44-63

My Brilliant Friend  Part 2, Chapters 44-63 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

My Brilliant Friend  Character Analysis

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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During Reading

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After Reading

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My Brilliant Friend

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