Lottie Lomme
Inimitable, compelling, heartbreaking, addictive. Usually it's the publisher's words on the back cover to sell a book. But these are the words of the Netherlands' most renowned book critics about Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels. And I can only agree with it. Yesterday the 3rd part came out: Who flees and who stays.
Beautiful is the story of Elena and Lila, two 'sandbox friends' who have known each other since childhood. A friendship of rivalry at times, but also of deep connection. Where the girls each choose their independent path in a period when it suits girls Napels was still very difficult to be independent. Or to get out of the poor neighborhood in which they grew up at all. A neighborhood dominated by 2 Camorra-like figures, 2 boys who determine the atmosphere and the economy of the neighborhood.
Study or work
One of these mafia falls in love with Lila. But the friends both fall in love with Nino Sarratore, a gentle and intelligent boy who has nothing to do with the stupid behavior that sometimes seems necessary in a deprived area to keep yourself going. Only Elena is allowed to study, while Lila may be more intelligent, but there is no money for study at her home. She therefore has to work in her father's shoe shop. Naples is beautifully described in scents and colors. Real bildungsromans were parts 1 and 2, novels that tell about adolescence and the period of adulthood.
Part three of the Neapolitan novels
In part 3, Florence and Milan are also discussed in the 70s. At that time, there were more opportunities for women, but that era also had a straitjacket. This is well described in this third part. It's about adulthood, about having children, about job satisfaction and your place in society. And the choices you make in love. For Lila, this mainly means her place in an unjust society. She has to work hard and does not have an easy life. She belongs to the proletariat. In love she chooses peace and stability. Security.
Who flees and who stays?
The title of this book also refers to the choices of the main characters. Elena flees Naples and goes to live in Florence with her lover. Lila stays behind in Naples and makes the most of it. Or try that.
For Elena who leaves the city, it is mainly about her place in society. What do other people think of her and what does she think of other people? What does she actually want to say? And what does it mean to her? Luck in love? More information about the story should be ushered in with 'Caution! Spoiler Alert!'. You want to read through, devour event after event what the women are going through. Take that from me.
Have you read the first and second part yet? The genius friend en The new last name? Please start with part one. And trust me, after that you'll want to read all 4. Part 4 is expected in October 2016.
Who flees and who stays
reading excerpt
by: Elena Ferrante (translated by Marieke van Laake)
416 pages
€ 24,99 (eBook: 14,99)
World Library, 2016
ISBN 9789028426672
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