Elena Ferrante’s "Neapolitan Novels" have captivated readers worldwide with their intricate storytelling and vivid portrayal of life in Naples. Spanning four books—My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child—this series traces the lives of two childhood friends, Elena Greco and Raffaella "Lila" Cerullo, from the 1950s to the early 2000s.
Through their intertwined stories, Ferrante offers a rich, multifaceted depiction of urban life in the city's socio-economic realities, exploring its complexities, challenges, and transformations.
Here, we delve into how the "Neapolitan Novels" contribute to the depiction of life in the city, examining key themes such as socio-economic disparity, gender dynamics, political changes, and the impact of urban development.
