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This is the second book in the Neapolitan series and it lives up to the first book "My Brilliant Friend" and I would say it is even better. All the accolades that Elena Ferrante has received are so well deserved. Her writing is rich; it is poignant; it is unforgettable. You are completely immersed in the time, the culture and in the lives of these two best friends and the people in their community. It is almost a day to day accounting of Lila and Elena (Lenu). In this book, they are more at odds with each other. Their rivalry is always there even as their paths diverge. Lila is now married and is trying to settle into her new name and her new life. Lenu is off to university and her academic path. The underlying love for each other is still there but it is so tested in this book that at times you wonder if they will ever be the same again. I definitely cared for both young women, but I felt more strongly for Lenu, who has always felt she has lived under the shadow of Lila. These books are some of the richest books I have ever read. I am so glad to know that I still have the opportunity to read two more in this series.
I highly recommend these books!!