L'amie prodigieuse

My Brilliant Friend, written by Elena Ferrante, is the third volume of the acclaimed saga that spans five decades of Italian history and explores the complex friendship between the protagonists Elena and Lila. In this installment, set in the late 1960s, the societal upheaval in Italy is evident as the two women navigate political and social changes. Elena, studying at the prestigious École normale de Pise, is actively involved in the emerging feminist movements and protests, while Lila, whose choices are contrary, maintains a close connection with Elena. The narrative highlights the dynamics of their relationship, marked by love and rivalry, and shows how external circumstances bring them together and pull them apart. This captivating continuation offers not only an intimate character study but also a profound insight into the political and social upheavals that shaped Italy in the 1970s.