Genijalna prijateljica
A work that reads like an extraordinary, sumptuous fresco of society, Elena Ferrante has brought her worldwide fame, unanimous critical acclaim, and her readers and critics are unanimous in their assessment – this is the magnificent prose of our time.
Dive into the heart of poor Naples in the 1950s – a world of dusty streets, domestic violence and unbridled passion. In the first novel of the famous tetralogy, Elena "Lenù" Greco tells the story of the disappearance of her childhood friend Raffaella "Lila" Cerullo, the brilliant and wild girl who was her shadow and beacon. Through flashbacks, their intense friendship is revealed: from boyish games with dolls to teenage struggles for freedom in the patriarchal ghetto.
Lenù, the hardworking daughter of a porter, escapes into books and school, dreaming of escaping poverty. Lila, the daughter of a shoemaker, is fire – rebellious, bright, ready to adorn and provoke, becoming the target of love, envy and revenge. Their relationship is a whirlwind of love and rivalry: "She was so beautiful that it hurt." Ferrante mercilessly paints a male world that stifles women – mafia influences, class barriers, first loves and the loss of innocence – but also the power of female solidarity.
This raw, poetic tale of "agonizing coming of age" has sold millions of copies, adapted into an HBO hit series. Ideal for fans of deep characters and feminist stories: not heroes, but real women who build – and destroy – each other. Open the door and meet your "Lila": she can save you or destroy you.
One copy is available
