The Locale: Tassy's
The Book: A modern masterpiece from one of Italy’s most acclaimed authors, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense, and generous-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Elena Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship. The story begins in the 1950s, in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets the two girls learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else. As they grow, as their paths repeatedly diverge and converge, Elena and Lila remain best friends whose respective destinies are reflected and refracted in the other. They are likewise the embodiments of a nation undergoing momentous change. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her protagonists, the unforgettable Elena and Lila. Ferrante is the author of three previous works of critically acclaimed fiction: The Days of Abandonment, Troubling Love, and The Lost Daughter. With this novel, the first in a quartet, she proves herself to be one of Italy’s great storytellers. She has given her readers a masterfully plotted page-turner, abundant and generous in its narrative details and characterizations, that is also a stylish work of literary fiction destined to delight her many fans and win new readers to her fiction.
http://elenaferrante.com/works/my-brilliant-friend/
Sarah's Summary: Thank you, Tassy, for a fun book club! I think most of us enjoyed My Brilliant Friend and some of us plan on continuing the series. The discussion drifted from friendships to our kids to our aging parents. As always, the conversation didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoy our meetings and look forward to them each time- ya'll are some neat people and I like spending time with you all. Plus, I get fed really good food ;) The pizza was great- I forgot to ask where it was from. Village Pizza? (And your kitchen is GORGEOUS)
Laura, we were sad to see you couldn't make it after all- we had a full house today. Even Lori was able to make it! Welcome back! I thought it would be easier to get to these meetings once our kids got older but that doesn't seem to be the case, they just keep demanding more of our time! But I know we all enjoy it as time is fleeting… My baby was 1 when we started this little club. He's 12. Yikes.
Susan S. is up next to present. We meet at Jolynda's next month on 8/20 to discuss Big Little Lies, and we voted on Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill for Brenda's meeting (date to be determined). After Susan, it's Lori's turn. I changed up the roster ever so slightly.
We are inviting Susan H's friend, Holly, to attend the next meeting to see if she may be a good fit for us since we now have room with Carmen leaving our fold. I trust this is agreeable to all? Unless one of you knows someone who wants to be part of this awesome group?
Enjoy the rest of your summer, safe travels to those taking vacations and good luck with the first week of school. See you all August 20th!
The Vote: Brenda presented...
- Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill WINS!!!
- Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
- A Long Walk to Water: Based on A True Story by Linda Sue Park
Up Next: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty @ Jolynda's on August 20th
Next to Present: Susan S
Then:
- Lori
- Gina
- Sarah
- Susan H
- Jessica
- Kristine
- Laura
- Tassy
- Jolynda
- Brenda
- Susan S
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