This was a long read, phew, but a very interesting one, regardless, I must say. At times, I did need to keep the book down, then get back to it due to the constant tension present. I definitely doubted if I would enjoy this novel, but it did take me by surprise (in a good way). One of the most interesting parts is the contrast of opportunities between the girls. How Lila, as the brilliant one, has limited access to opportunities in formal education, while Lenù, on the other hand, although intelligent, gets more access. She is also the one who feels jealous of Lila. The difference shows how factors like class and gender can play a role in outcomes more than someone’s individual abilities.
I also found it interesting the way girlhood or friendship is portrayed throughout. Lila and Lenù’s relationship is filled with insecurity and competition, but also support. While you can tell that Lila is admired and looked upto there is also a lot of jealousy beneath Lenù’s perspective. It feels real and raw, similar to what I’ve seen in real life in comparison to what is often shown in the media. I think this happens a lot in the real world, especially during adolescence, these sorts of relationships, where support and competition co-exist, sort of. Reading this felt like a breath of fresh air, where it’s not just the glamorous side of friendships but the complexity alongside what other factors, like the environment, play into these relationships. In a way, it challenges the idea that friendships are only positive and showcases that while they may be messy, they can also be meaningful. In addition, the fact that the story is set in Naples doesn’t act as just a place but more so plays a large role in actively shaping the behaviours and identities through the violence, poverty, and social hierarchies that exist.
Lastly, I find it striking how the story is told entirely from Lenù’s perspective. This makes me think about how reliable the narration is. Can we ever fully know Lila, or do we only know her through Lenù’s eyes? I think the uncertainty is what makes this read so interesting, because we’re not just questioning who Lila is, but more so Lenù’s perspective as a narrator. Since this story is also told retrospectively, I feel that memory plays a role in determining what’s included or not. In a way, it’s not just their story but more so Lenù’s interpretation of it as well. What are your thoughts?
5 replies on “Not your typical friendship story”
“Can we ever fully know Lila, or do we only know her through Lenù’s eyes?” On the one hand, we can read how Lenù strives to recount in detail what happens, trying to make her memory expand like a beacon into the past. But, as you rightly say, that light is filtered. The other question is whether we could get to know Lila if not through the narrator. Apparently, not even her own son is able to understand her. The narrator’s perspective is, in that sense, privileged.
great post, you nailed it, girlhood as messy real life vs the media portrayal of perfection. I agree it would be interesting to see Lila’s perspective on all this.
I like your point about opportunity vs. ability, and I think it really highlights how unfairly Lila and Lenù’s paths diverge. Your take on narration is also really interesting… since everything is filtered through Lenù, it’s hard to tell how much of Lila is “real” versus shaped by jealousy and admiration. I think that uncertainty is what makes the story feel so complex and realistic, but I would be very interested in seeing how the story would be shaped up if told from Lila’s perspective instead.
I get what you mean about it being a long read, it took me a bit to get through too, but it was definitely worth it. I also found the difference in opportunities between Lila and Lenù really frustrating but important, especially how it shows class and gender matter more than talent sometimes.
I agree with what you said about the whole story being told from Lenu’s perspective. At times it did feel like her biases were seeping into the story.