This week I chose to read my Brilliant Friends. I really enjoyed this week’s reading and can say that it was really interesting to me. I felt that the story flowed really well and it was a pretty captivating story. I did think that some parts dragged on a little more than they should have, but nonetheless, it was overall a good story.
I found so many different themes in the text which I think is why I found myself to be so intrigued. Firstly, the relationships and the dynamics between characters shifting were really descriptive and entertaining. Through Lila and Elena’s relationship, in even just the years outlined there were so many struggles, yet the reader could almost feel the bond that they had. As well, although outlined a large portion of their lives, the text still came across as almost a coming-of-age novel in the sense that readers see these two friends grow and go through experiences together. i think this added some relatability to the text.
This is something else I really liked about the novel, I feel that Ferrante did a really great job of conveying emotions to the readers through the text and storyline. One part that I found especially true was when Lila was not able to go to school, while Elena was. I think that this really helped the reader to understand the background of the two girl’s relationship. As well, when Elena seems to be almost jealous over Lila’s looks when she starts to prosper. I think that this really showed the emotion in growing up together with a friend as they change, and again, I think almost all readers were able to feel those emotions.
Overall, I really enjoyed the text, I felt really interested in it and could not think of a better book to end the semester on! My question this week is, given the different strengths and weaknesses outlined of the two girls, did you find yourself relating to one more than the other? Do you think that this might have been a reason for Ferrante creating such a contrast between the two characters?