My Brilliant Friend Book 2 - The Story of a New Name

Was I going to be disappointed after of the perfect first volume of the series My Brilliant Friend? Or was I going to fall even more deeply in love? It seems that Elena Ferrante's talent is not one that wears out with time.

Summary

The first volume ended with Lila's wedding and the supreme affront that her husband had done to her: to give the pair of shoes she had carefully made to Marcello, whom she despised. This marriage, which had barely been celebrated, was already over.

Afterwards, as if Lila's hatred could directly affect her fertility, she did not get pregnant even after several months of marriage. The doctor recommended that she go and get some sun and sea baths to facilitate conception. Elena will accompany her. Together they spend a wonderful summer with two boys, Nino, whom Elena has always secretly loved, and his friend, Bruno. Elena believes that her relationship with Nino is growing: but, as always, Lila is ahead of her, and will almost innocently take from her what her friend so earnestly desires.

Impressions

This was a more charged read for me than the first volume. The characters are now young adults and experiencing their first loves, and I was drawn back into this emotional turmoil with them. I felt as torn as Elena by the sight of Lila and Nino kissing passionately. The unconditional love she has for her prodigious friend left me breathless. I could hardly have identified more with the characters.

I felt like I could predict what would happen next. I was wrong. Like life, the novel is not predictable. Every turn of events surprised me.

It's not a suspense book, but it is a magnetic book. From its place on the bedside table, it called to me. I thought about it during the day and looked forward to diving back into it at night. The charm didn't fall off one bit.

Fortunately, there is a third volume.