Hi, Megin, I loved Ferrante's books and read them a couple of years ago. I found the early scene in Normal People, when the main male character (I have since given the book away) doesn't do anything when his friend assaults the main female character, unforgivable. I didn't think it was ever properly addressed.
I enjoyed reading about the other books. I seldom read nonfiction, because I love escaping into other worlds.
Hi Megin! So happy to receive this. Interesting to hear your thoughts about Normal People. I fell hard for that book--mostly because, as you note, she writes dialogue and, especially, sex, so incredibly well. But I do agree that the main characters are too good to be true. Most of the discussion around the book here, as far as I could tell, was about the love story--I don't remember hearing much about her politics...? Maybe I enjoyed it more b/c I took it at face value: A simple love story/relationship coming-of-age story? I will also admit to loving the adaptation of the book into a TV series on Hulu: stylized and less gritty, but so tender and authentic. Ah, young love. Speaking of love, or lust--I also scooped up Three Women. I was SO curious! I devoured it, and then spit it right back out. I agree that it's a journalistic failure--and a failure all around. Some of the worst writing (that intro, OMG UGH) and most insulting generalizations about ALL women. I hated it...but I admit that I kind of loved hating it. A great discussion topic! Anyway, I look forward to your future posts!
Hi M! I love it all. I just finished the new Emily St. John Mandel yesterday - do you like her? I like her tale weaving and sense of place, though Glass Hotel took me a minute to get into. I read more this year than usual because I just picked up easier books, some of which were a pleasant surprise, like Where the Crawdads Sing and Giver of Stars. They HBO’d the Ferrante girls. It’s in Italian, never as good as the book, but very well realized, I think you’d like it. Miss and love you!
Hey long lost friend! loved this. This is almost two decades old as a reco, but if you ever want to try Poniatowska again, I recommend "La Piel del Cielo" or "Hasta no verte, Jesus mio" - both of which I remember enjoying in about 2002 ;)
Hi, Megin, I loved Ferrante's books and read them a couple of years ago. I found the early scene in Normal People, when the main male character (I have since given the book away) doesn't do anything when his friend assaults the main female character, unforgivable. I didn't think it was ever properly addressed.
I enjoyed reading about the other books. I seldom read nonfiction, because I love escaping into other worlds.
Love that you reread Ferrante! I've been thinking of doing that since I watched the brilliant HBO series and remembering how much I loved her words.
Hi Megin! So happy to receive this. Interesting to hear your thoughts about Normal People. I fell hard for that book--mostly because, as you note, she writes dialogue and, especially, sex, so incredibly well. But I do agree that the main characters are too good to be true. Most of the discussion around the book here, as far as I could tell, was about the love story--I don't remember hearing much about her politics...? Maybe I enjoyed it more b/c I took it at face value: A simple love story/relationship coming-of-age story? I will also admit to loving the adaptation of the book into a TV series on Hulu: stylized and less gritty, but so tender and authentic. Ah, young love. Speaking of love, or lust--I also scooped up Three Women. I was SO curious! I devoured it, and then spit it right back out. I agree that it's a journalistic failure--and a failure all around. Some of the worst writing (that intro, OMG UGH) and most insulting generalizations about ALL women. I hated it...but I admit that I kind of loved hating it. A great discussion topic! Anyway, I look forward to your future posts!
Thank you for this helpful roundup. I'm looking forward to following along on your reading adventures.
Hi M! I love it all. I just finished the new Emily St. John Mandel yesterday - do you like her? I like her tale weaving and sense of place, though Glass Hotel took me a minute to get into. I read more this year than usual because I just picked up easier books, some of which were a pleasant surprise, like Where the Crawdads Sing and Giver of Stars. They HBO’d the Ferrante girls. It’s in Italian, never as good as the book, but very well realized, I think you’d like it. Miss and love you!
Hey long lost friend! loved this. This is almost two decades old as a reco, but if you ever want to try Poniatowska again, I recommend "La Piel del Cielo" or "Hasta no verte, Jesus mio" - both of which I remember enjoying in about 2002 ;)