What do readers think of My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante? Write your own review.

Elena Ferrante's novel, is a wonderful journey of life in the 1950's in and around the city of Naples, Italy. At that time, for many of the citizenry, it is a life or poverty and need, yet it is also about strong family bonds and friendships.
The narrator is Elena Greco, aka Lenu, who recounts her friendship with Lila Cerullo, the shoemaker's daughter. Always mindful of family, they charge into life, as children and beyond with Lila always pushing and Lenu ever holding back.
Ferrante's ability to limn out the characters is superb...I felt as though I could recognize them had I met them on the street. While it seemed to bog down at times, Lila's narration kept up my interest. This is the first book in a trilogy so I am looking forward to reading the next!

This is the story of Elena and Lila. It is a history of their friendship beginning in Naples.I am attracted to stories about friendship but this book didn't hold my attention. It was translated into English so possibly something was lost in translation. The descriptions of Italy were great! I felt like I was actually there! If only I felt the same about the main characters.