#2521

Mentioned in 11 episodes

My Brilliant Friend

Book • 2012

My Brilliant Friend is the gripping first volume in Elena Ferrante’s widely acclaimed Neapolitan Novels.

The story begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, where Elena and Lila form a complex and intense friendship.

Through their lives, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it undergoes significant transformations.

The novel explores themes of female experience, rivalry, and friendship, creating an unsentimental portrait of two girls’ path into womanhood and the broader societal changes around them.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 11 episodes

Highlighted by

Gilbert Cruz

as the number one book of the 21st century so far, praised for its unique portrayal of female friendship.

The Year in Books

Mentioned by

Max Fisher

as a book he is currently reading.

Why Elon Lies About DOGE and How To Fix Your Focus

Mentioned by

Rima Basu

while discussing the desire to be forgotten, using a quote from the opening chapter.

The Importance of Forgetting; Presented by Rima Basu

Mentioned by John and Rob when discussing the HBO show "My Brilliant Friend", which is based on Ferrante's novels.

The Top TV Moments of the Year and the Best Shows We Missed

Mentioned by

Rob Mahoney

as a show he recommends.

The Ringer Guide to Holiday Bingeing | 'The Watch' x 'Prestige TV' Crossover

Mentioned by

Max Fisher

as a book he is currently reading.

Elon Wellness Check, The Anti-Doge Revolt, and Some Actual Good News

Mentioned by

Agnes Callard

as a text used in her self-creation class, alongside *Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man* and Fernando Pessoa's *Book of Disquiet*.

Agnes Callard: what is the value of fiction?

Mentioned by

Rory Stewart

as a book he is currently enjoying.

Can We End Poverty by Just Giving People Cash?

Recommended by

Neil Freeman

as the top book on the New York Times' 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list.

Record Travel Can't Save Airline Earnings & TX Town Sick From Bitcoin?

Recommended by

Emily Bazelon

as a good TV series adaptation of a beloved book.

Floating Island of Garbage

Recommended by

Laura Cozzi

as a book about female friendship and life.

AI, Energy and Climate: Laura Cozzi: IEA's Energy and AI Report

Mentioned by

Tyler Cowen

, discussing

Ruth Scurr

's appreciation for Ferrante's work.

Ruth Scurr on the Art of Biography

Mentioned by

Taimur Hyat

as a book he is currently reading and enjoying, focusing on female friendship.

Taimur Hyat – After the Great Lockdown (Capital Allocators, EP.149)

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