This novel is the last book of Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels. Since I have reviewed the other three books in the series, I don't wish to repeat the many accolades, but if you are an avid reader of Ferrante's work, you will not be disappointed in this latest installment. She continues with the story of the intense friendship of Elena and Lila and their families. The old neighborhood is once again the setting as Elena moves back to fuel her writing and resume old friendships. All the characters of the first novel are here, only now we see these children as they enter old age, still carrying the burden of the past, still passionate in their loves and hates, still carrying old grudges.
Elena's and Lila's children have grown, and the older generation has passed away. Still, Elena is drawn to Lila and their lives again become entangled. Elena has now become a writer of renown, yet still doesn't trust her own abilities. Along with the reader, she puzzles over who is the real author of her work, herself or Lila who is the prime motivator of Elena's work. As the story progresses Elena gains strength along with insight into her relationships with the various characters of her past, but has never been able to escape the ties that bind her to her childhood's "brilliant friend." By the end of the book, Elena and Lila have presented the reader with the best picture of the psychology of female friendship of any book that I have read. I highly recommend the entire series for all readers. Perhaps you will find as I did, that the best was saved for last.
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