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This book is the first in a four-book series that spans the lifetimes of two friends. It starts in the 1950s in a lower-class neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, with the narrator, Elena, just getting to know and befriend Lila. Elena is a good student who comes from a fairly unremarkable home. Lila is a smart and charismatic girl whose father repairs shoes. She’s intense and high-spirited and draws others to her like a magnet.
Elena’s world seems to revolve around Lila. She measures herself against her for good or ill. They get into various adventures as girls and then teens. It’s a coming-of-age story for both of them, as this book ends with the wedding of a young Lila.
The book reflects post-war times, the way of life in a small neighborhood in Italy and all that goes on when everyone knows each other and their business. It’s a window into that time and place and a portrait of two young women, particularly Lila. It’s detailed and doesn’t miss a beat as it explores growing up.
This set of books has received a lot of attention and been praised generously in all quarters. I can appreciate why because the writer’s talent is apparent and it is a richly envisioned saga, and My Brilliant Friend is just the beginning. I just wasn’t so interested in the characters that I was swept up and wanting to read on.
Rated: High. Profanity includes five instances of strong language, about a dozen uses of moderate profanity, a handful of instances of mild language, and four or five uses of the name of Deity in vain. Sexual content includes a few scenes where characters make out and go farther, with a paragraph or two of detail; in one scene, the main character is molested as a teen by an older man. There are references to some characters having affairs. The two young women who are the focus of the book growing up as girls and then into adolescence; menstruation is mentioned, as well as changing bodies. There are a few times the main character talks about her or her friend being naked and observing their womanly bodies. Violence includes several intense fights between young men; a murder by stabbing; a father being violent and abusive with his children a few times; a young man seriously losing his temper several times.
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