The third book in Ferrante’s Neapolitan series (My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name) follows the reunion of childhood friends Elena and Lila and their loving if competitive relationship. As the story progresses through the 1960s and 1970s, Lila remains in Naples, raising her son. Elena leaves to study in Pisa, eventually building a family of her own in Florence. Their continuing friendship provides the backdrop for larger observations about life’s struggles, from grand political movements to more quotidian challenges.
