Sign in with Facebook
Jennifer Welsh's Reviews > The Story of a New Name
The Story of a New Name (Neapolitan Novels, #2)
by
by
Reading Elena Ferrante’s second book in her Neapolitan series felt like a return to a time when working-class teens married young and were forced to play the role of adults. How well Ferrante captured this mix of adult responsibility and adolescent urge in each character, as well as in the overall tone! I felt immersed in the delicious excitement of girlhood friendship and first times, and how all decisions must be navigated within the loyalty of the one friendship that matters most.
Lately, I feel like everything matters more than it used to. The problems we’re all dealing with seem now to be of the highest stakes. But perhaps life is really a series of crossing thresholds? I believe one of the hardest is the transition to adulthood: going from that place where your stomach is in knots from all that happens to you, to being faced with the choices that will shape the rest of your life.
This book is wonderful at capturing what it’s like to rise above your community of origin, and what it’s like to abandon it even if it means you fall. Here, the experiences are of ambitious, intelligent, female teens marked by a working class neighborhood where violence is the primary language. The friendship between the two women is symbiotic: They live without each other for long stretches, but the threads of one another are permanently interwoven, forcing a constant seesaw of success and sacrifice. Of course, this leads to betrayals.
Ferrante also wonderfully captures the fate of a smart, gorgeous, hard-working girl whose only choice for her future lies in which man she will attach to, and how she will use other influential males in the community. We see how she tries to let academic learning fall away because there’s no use for it in her every day, and yet her drive to devour ideas is not easily thwarted. To change would mean to no longer be compatible with the world she grew up in. So, one half of this pair makes the decision to go, one to stay; both decisions can be lonely, both exciting, both incomplete.
Ferrante is good. I like her more than I thought I would. Her first two novels in this series are relatable and immersive, and of the first three, this was my favorite. I liked book-one more than I thought I would, too. This one goes deeper, and I think a reader can start here, and later read the first for background. Be warned, however: this one ends on a cliffhanger.
Lately, I feel like everything matters more than it used to. The problems we’re all dealing with seem now to be of the highest stakes. But perhaps life is really a series of crossing thresholds? I believe one of the hardest is the transition to adulthood: going from that place where your stomach is in knots from all that happens to you, to being faced with the choices that will shape the rest of your life.
This book is wonderful at capturing what it’s like to rise above your community of origin, and what it’s like to abandon it even if it means you fall. Here, the experiences are of ambitious, intelligent, female teens marked by a working class neighborhood where violence is the primary language. The friendship between the two women is symbiotic: They live without each other for long stretches, but the threads of one another are permanently interwoven, forcing a constant seesaw of success and sacrifice. Of course, this leads to betrayals.
Ferrante also wonderfully captures the fate of a smart, gorgeous, hard-working girl whose only choice for her future lies in which man she will attach to, and how she will use other influential males in the community. We see how she tries to let academic learning fall away because there’s no use for it in her every day, and yet her drive to devour ideas is not easily thwarted. To change would mean to no longer be compatible with the world she grew up in. So, one half of this pair makes the decision to go, one to stay; both decisions can be lonely, both exciting, both incomplete.
Ferrante is good. I like her more than I thought I would. Her first two novels in this series are relatable and immersive, and of the first three, this was my favorite. I liked book-one more than I thought I would, too. This one goes deeper, and I think a reader can start here, and later read the first for background. Be warned, however: this one ends on a cliffhanger.
Sign into ŷ to see if any of your friends have read
The Story of a New Name.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
April 18, 2023
–
Started Reading
April 18, 2023
– Shelved
April 28, 2023
–
60.93%
"“…there was no comparison with the exchanges I had had with Lila years earlier, which ignited my brain, and in the course of which we tore the words from each other’s mouth, creating an excitement that seemed like a storm of electrical charges.�"
page
287
May 4, 2023
–
Finished Reading
June 1, 2023
– Shelved as:
inspiration
June 1, 2023
– Shelved as:
translations
June 1, 2023
– Shelved as:
intimate-fiction
Comments Showing 1-50 of 52 (52 new)
message 1:
by
Jennifer
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
May 04, 2023 01:44PM
Book 2 was SO good, I had to start book 3 immediately! 😃 Book 1 was a pleasure, but book 2 was really about something. 💕💕💕
reply
|
flag
Jennifer, I felt exactly the same, my whole world was consumed with this book when I read it several months ago. I’m spacing out the books though, because I want the series to go on as long as possible!
That’s usually how I am, too, Megan, sometimes letting the space grow into years. Not this time! I’m hooked :). I’ll read your review after I write my own for this one, I’m looking forward to it :)
Oh, I am so happy to see those 5 stars! Isn't this novel brilliant? I'm eager for you to read Book 3. Be sure to let me know when you finish. Maybe we'll get to read Book 4 before winter?
The first one was like candy, but this one had so much. I started book 3 today. Did you think 3 was as good?
Jennifer wrote: "The first one was like candy, but this one had so much. I started book 3 today. Did you think 3 was as good?"I loved this one more because the relationship between the 2 women was front and center here.
And loved Book 3 for all it brought about the social issues regarding gender and class, dominant themes of the late 1960's and 1970's.
I’m about 120 pages into book 3, and so far I agree, book 2 is stronger. Lots of focus on politics in book 3, so far.
I haven't started this series yet - am just finishing Hello Beautiful (which was just ok for me). Hoping I love these. Your stars give me hope
There’s something so cozy about book 1, Jen, a comfort in the familiar when it comes to being a girl and having a best friend. The second novel has that same familiarity, but with a more complex web. I see no reason why you couldn’t start here, and then read book 1 for background � it might even be more enjoyable in that order. Good to know about Hello Beautiful. Did you read Edward? I’m curious how they compare�
Marvelous review! Okay I really need to finally start these, glad to hear the goodness keeps on going
s.penkevich wrote: "Marvelous review! Okay I really need to finally start these, glad to hear the goodness keeps on going"Thank you, s.! I think you'll find these fun, and this one enticing. There's lots of gender politics here, neatly woven into very realistic and full relationships. Book one is a perfect summer read...
I missed this review whenever you posted it. Anyway, I wasn't planning on reading this book your enthusiasm for it has changed my mind. Thanks, Jen.
Marvelous review, Jennifer! I adore this series and your thoughts are so well expressed. This was one of my favorites but I think they are all wonderful. These are on my reread someday shelf.
Excellent review, Jennifer. I like your thoughts about crossing thresholds :-)
I enjoyed reliving my experience of this immersive novel through your review, Jennifer.
Great review. Can you read this one as a standalone?
Anne wrote: "I missed this review whenever you posted it. Anyway, I wasn't planning on reading this book your enthusiasm for it has changed my mind. Thanks, Jen."Anne, I think you'd love this. I think even the physical book has a chance with you, it's so easy to read. That doesn't mean the language has no tooth. The prose isn't gorgeous, but it's unique, insightful and authentic.
Lori wrote: "Marvelous review, Jennifer! I adore this series and your thoughts are so well expressed. This was one of my favorites but I think they are all wonderful. These are on my reread someday shelf."Thanks so much, Lori! I always love how your thoughts are expressed, so that means a lot! I'm glad you loved them all, I always fear that the last book won't deliver, so that encourages me :)
Libby wrote: "Excellent review, Jennifer. I like your thoughts about crossing thresholds :-)"Thanks so much, Libby. Whenever I'm faced with one, it always feels like the hardest time...
Wonderful review Jennifer. Sounds very interesting.
So glad to see you are enjoying this series. Great review, Jennifer! For some reason I was getting this author mixed up with nepolitano. Probably because it’s the neopolitan series lol
A brilliant critique, Jennifer. I read the first book and then decided not to commit to the series. I may reconsider after this persuasive review.
I just started this on audio. Narrator is excellent. So glad you were enthusiastic in your review. Thanks, friend.
Wonderful review, Jennifer. I love these books. I grew up with my mother’s stories of Ischia and the people. All the people in Ferrante’s books ring true to me. She is an excellent writer with an excellent translator.
Teresa wrote: "I enjoyed reliving my experience of this immersive novel through your review, Jennifer."Thank you, Teresa. It really pulls you in, doesn't it?
Left Coast Justin wrote: "Great review. Can you read this one as a standalone?"Hi Justin, the short answer is yes, in my opinion, everything you need is in this book. I will warn you that the end does not feel like an end at all, unless you consider the endings of a TV episode in a series. Without spoiling much, I will reveal that book 3 doesn't pick up right where this leaves off, even though you expect it to, and that development doesn't culminate until the END of book 3.
I could see this landing firmly in your study of women � it's very authentic. :)
Fantastic review, Jennifer. It sounds like the author convincingly captured the struggles of adolescents and their transition to adulthood.
Annette wrote: "Wonderful review Jennifer. Sounds very interesting."Thanks, Annette. I don't think this one would satisfy your love for the historical, but it's rich with what it is to be female in a certain context.
Jen CAN wrote: "So glad to see you are enjoying this series. Great review, Jennifer! For some reason I was getting this author mixed up with nepolitano. Probably because it’s the neopolitan series lol"That kind of thing happens to me, too, Jen. Are you interested in this series?
Carol wrote: "A brilliant critique, Jennifer. I read the first book and then decided not to commit to the series. I may reconsider after this persuasive review."Carol, this one become about something so much more than book one for me. I do hope you give it a try, I think you may like it. :)
Another review that sets me thinking. I'll start with "To change would mean to no longer be compatible with the world she grew up in."I think we all face this to some degree as we mature. How many of us are still connected with the group of friends we grew up with? My brother is one of the few people I know who is. I live in a different town, have different interests, and seek different experiences. And then there is family--I love my brother and cousins. We are friends because we are good people with good hearts, and it is our history that binds us together. Would we be friends if we met as adults? An interesting thought to ponder.
I do understand that we put forth some effort to stay connected, to be open and tolerant to our changes and differences, and to be curious and interested in each others lives. And of the many of us, there are some that choose not to gather with the rest of us, these are those who have left.
Lena and Lila have such an intense relationship and strong bond, how can it be other than durable, though it will become more elastic.
Funny, Elyse, all I want of my dad’s are his books and his photo slides, so you never know. There’s something special about entering the world of a book knowing that your parent loved it there. It’s a real gift. I look forward to book 4 soon�
Anne, I’m so happy you’re listening to this, Ferrante achieves something special.
Antoinette wrote: "Wonderful review, Jennifer. I love these books. I grew up with my mother’s stories of Ischia and the people. All the people in Ferrante’s books ring true to me. She is an excellent writer with an e..."How fun that you had first-hand accounts growing up of Ischia! I'd love to hear those stories, sometime, Antoinette. Ferrante absolutely taps into something so true, it can't help but feel nuanced and universal, simultaneously. I have book 4 waiting for me, and a buddy to read it with :)
Thanks, Laysee! It also captures what it’s like to be an intelligent girl in a world of physicality, and how the choices we make also include the loss of what we didn’t choose.
Lisa wrote: "Another review that sets me thinking. I'll start with "To change would mean to no longer be compatible with the world she grew up in."I think we all face this to some degree as we mature. How man..."
It will be interesting, Lisa, to see how this plays out. I have my own best friend from age 2, and we both wanted to get away from the narrow-mindedness of our neighborhood. I guess we did and didn't; we have new lives, but with some old attachments left, including to each other. And we live much closer to NYC than these girls/women live to Rome, Pisa, or Florence, so it's been easier to connect. We've had a handful of falling-outs, some lasting years, but always make our way back to each other, sometimes by a chance meeting on city streets. I think we accept that there's social overlap with mostly differences now. I'm looking forward to reading book 4 with you...
WoW. I love these books too, Jen. Elena Ferrante is a great storyteller, and I’ll definitely read this series again at some point.
Great review. ☺️
Thank you, Pedro! I was wondering if this quartet would touch a man as much, and I’m very happy to know it has. The series is so immersive, and im not quite sure how she does it. Storyteller, that’s the right word, Pedro, yes�
I find Ferrante's writing to be very unique - I'd not read anything quite like her before or since this series. I'm not surprised to see you are a huge fan and very much enjoyed this excellent review, Jennifer!
Thanks so much, Candi! Her prose doesn’t exalt me, but it’s still good in this very natural way, and I find this whole series insightful. Does it tap into the familiar for you, too, Candi?
Great review, Jennifer. Glad this was a five-star read for you.
Thanks so much, Nika!
Jennifer wrote: "Thanks so much, Candi! Her prose doesn’t exalt me, but it’s still good in this very natural way, and I find this whole series insightful. Does it tap into the familiar for you, too, Candi?"I'd have to say "yes and no" in answer to your question, Jennifer! :D
You capture the book’s and author’s spirit perfectly, Jennifer! I was totally captivated by the tetralogy and the tv series, too.
Candi wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Thanks so much, Candi! Her prose doesn’t exalt me, but it’s still good in this very natural way, and I find this whole series insightful. Does it tap into the familiar for you, too..."😅, Candi! Sounds like a deeper discussion to have off line! I do hope you come up for air soon�
Violeta wrote: "You capture the book’s and author’s spirit perfectly, Jennifer! I was totally captivated by the tetralogy and the tv series, too."Thank you, Violeta! I’m starting Book 4 tomorrow with Lisa, and am so curious to see how she leaves us in the end. I’ve had to control myself not to watch the series until I’m done, so that will be in my near future. I’m very encouraged to have your stamp of approval on both! 🩷
Fabulous review, Jennifer! I think you've helped me prioritize this read.
Yay, Julie, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one! I cannot wait to talk to you about it from both a personal perspective and a writer’s one.
I didn't love book 1, Jennifer, and so never bothered to read the later ones but your thoughtful reviews of this and book 3 make me rethink the series. Thanks:-)
Fionnuala wrote: "I didn't love book 1, Jennifer, and so never bothered to read the later ones but your thoughtful reviews of this and book 3 make me rethink the series. Thanks:-)"Book 2 may pleasantly surprise you then, Fionnuala, as it grew into so much more. I would say that if book 2 doesn't work for you, then the series isn't for you, but I do hope you'll give it a try. Let me know if you do? Your reviews are so insightful, I wouldn't want to miss your thoughts!
