Neapolitan Novels Series Elena Ferrante Collection 4 Books Bundle (My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, Story of the Lost Child) Paperback – 1 Jan. 2016

I don't like giving 5 stars for a book because perfection should be a special thing in literature but I found this series exceptional. There is so much to admire, it is well constructed into short chapters with each one seemingly ending on a mini cliff hanger making it very hard to put down.It is a work of amazing scope; a saga of the children of several families that grew up in a rough neighbourhood of Naples, starting from the 1950s to present day. I feel there is a small part of Naples I now know well and have a deep understanding of its post war history.Although the books centre very much on two characters its real quality I found came from its near clinical examination of class connections, and with such a rich cast of characters there are many connections to examine. Why do some kids grow up to be fascist, others gangsters, others communists etc. And what happens when someone gets out of the ghetto and joins an intellectual elite? Are they ever really accepted? What happens when privileged radicals become comrades to working class activists? In practice how different are the fascists, the red brigades, the gangsters, the capitalists, and the politicians?Some readers may find it over long and slow or be confused by the sheer number of characters. However I think Ferrante keeps the pace going by varying the tempo, after a long descriptive passage the plot accelerates. The big cast is managed really well; there are constant reminders of the all important familial connections and flashbacks to key events, in similar books I have often got overwhelmed by so many characters but not here.A truly great series, I feel it will be a long time till I am next so inspired. According to female reviews she gets the inner female voice right, I wouldn't know, but if she does I am now a bit better educated.

Unremittingly brilliant books defining the multi- layered complexities of the female friendship between Elena and Lina - the brilliant friend. Its all here, love, compasssion, anger, lying, betrayal. The friendship is set against the violent male misogyny which saturates post war Naples and later the political violence in Italy from the late 1960s. This is a book that stays with you. If possible do try to watch the superb TV adaptation on Sky Atlantic.

Fascinating story about two girls through their life. Was recommended by a friend and decided to buy all four books at the same time ( cheaper than getting separately ). Am half way through second book and can't wait to read them all.

A 'slow-cooker', not a hasty read. The 'friendship' between Lina, naturally talented but with less opportunities in life and Lena, a more submissive, less confident girl who is encouraged to study. Their friendship is like ocean waters, varying from calm and friendly to stormy, hitting rocks - always with an undertow of competition and jealousy. I saw myself more in Lena. Who will you identify with?

Good value set very good author great easy reading

Half way through the first book already, a great read. I bought these after it was voted number 1 in New York Times 100 best books of 21st century review, well deserved.

I've only read the first book in the quartet so far but I love Elena's style of writing. Looking forward to the next book.

Good value of the four books and well packaged, eager to start reading.