First Word

  Today’s topic is about narrative and novels. I’ve been listening to what is a 36-hour audio book titled The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante . I’m a huge fan of autobiographies and biographies, and I love reading about other female authors. The narrator Elena Grecco tells one of the most shocking and compelling stories about her life in Naples.   In discussing this book’s narrative with my friend, he asked me, “Why is it so shocking when she reveals important plot points. You just don’t see it coming.” Ferrante is gifted at telling a story through what I called “immediacy,” which means she tells the story exactly as it unfolded to her. In real life, we don’t have foreshadowing and little breadcrumbs that get dropped when something major is about to happen. We might see hints in a character’s behavior, but that’s all the hints we get in this kind of narrative.   As a result, Ferrante’s life experiences – and many are indeed dramatic and shock...

Rating: **** The only reason I removed a star from my rating is because the third episode wasn't that exciting. Otherwise, this show continues to hit a home run. What stands out is author and screenwriter Elena Ferrante's alter ego (sometimes referred to in the show as Elena and Lenú) is like this intense, intelligent observer of life around her in the neighborhood in which she grew up and of the people and relationships. The silent way in which Elena watches everyone almost expressionless at times is intriguing. Her adoration and love of her best friend Lila reflects her deep intelligence and understanding of others. At one point when Lila is sick, Elena reflects that she feels a part of her is missing. I was deeply moved by that admission. The show (so far) breaks down the girl's friendship and how each inspires a competitive desire to be better than the other; but this competition brings out the best in them. They aren't competing for men, but for educational e...