Welcome to Litsy!

Published in English under the title Neapolitan Chronicles&translated by Goldstein&McPhee, Ortese is one of the best post Ww2 Italian&perhaps most overlooked authors.The book consists of 5 chapters (3 fiction,2 journalistic accounts) that present a Naples shattered by war&corruption. Ortese‘s style is a blend of realist narrative&”almost surreal tone”.Ortese talks about her book having the effect of disorientation.

Well, I seldom if ever read two books at once. But, I was doing a buddy read of “My Brilliant Friend” (Book 1) and before we even discussed the book, she could not wait and started reading this one. We will see how this goes with “Les Miserables”. (Back into my reading for sure in 2025).

This is a suitably tumultuous, eventful, and often brutal and heartbreaking conclusion to the quartet. The unresolved mysteries are in a way frustrating, but they also make the story more real and relatable. It's quite the journey.

Christmas shopping done. Time for #BooksAndBooze. Earned it.

Yes, I adored MY BRILLIANT FRIEND.

This is a remarkable book and incredibly well researched. The author vividly describes centuries of Naples' tumultuous history of art, mythology, social and political upheaval, and violent revolution, interspersed with his own anecdotes of living in the city.

Monday afternoon #BooksAndBooze. Cannot beat it.

Next up

19-22 Sep 24 (audiobook)
I have loved revisiting this series. It is such an interesting depiction of female relationships: friendship but also many mother/daughter and teacher/student relationships.
On first read I thought Tina was kidnapped by the Solaras but less certain on a re-read. I also liked Elena less - there were times when her self-indulgence and her jealousy infuriated me.
Looking forward to watching the series after school holidays.

7-12 Sep 24 (audiobook)
I am loving revisiting this series on audiobook.
The second book sees Lila in a violent, unhappy marriage and Lenu departing Naples for university. I am again very emotionally involved with the characters, hoping that Lenu‘s focus on education will ultimately triumph, even whilst conceding that is often not the case in life. The depiction of female friendship -competitive, bitter at times- rings particularly true for me.