Between 4−5 stars rating, 02 February 2017 World class bildungsroman
By: Ivan Atmanagara
I thought the second book after My Brilliant Friend could not be better or having its plot falling apart, like most sequels. I was unfortunately wrong. This book is more captivating than its predecessor. It's better engaged with the development and the complexity of those unforgettable characters. Here, we follow Lenuccia trying to keep a distance off the frivolous life in the outskirt city of Naples, off its boring yet toxic people, and off her more estranged best... See More friend. Lila, meanwhile is showing off being the new Lady Carracci, but from time to time keeps reminding herself and people around her the bitter end of her choice to marry at young age. The silent battle between the two friends could not be fiercer; one always tries to outdo, outsmart, outplay each other, which brings conflicts to people around them. But in the end, Lenu, albeit with great struggle and agitation, powers through the highest possible education (and "reeducation") that brings her to a new place, new people, and new identity. This achievement is not without sacrifice, but once accomplished, elevates her status and that of her family. But it is her attachment to Lila that shapes her past and future. The novel is written beautifully, sometimes frighteningly vivid and obsessively humane and I could not put it down.
