21 Comments
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Fear's avatar

And not a word about Covid in old Naples.... Thank God!

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Jim Ryser's avatar

Or pronouns?

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Fear's avatar

All genders safely assumed!

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Joan Breibart's avatar

I am reading this book now. I think the relationship between these two girls is atypical so it is hard relate. The environment in Naples is unappealing. The writing is excellent. I feel I should read it, but I am not enjoying it.

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CherylBray's avatar

You LOVE words. I lOVE that you love words. It's definitely one of your superpowers.

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JENNY AMOROSO's avatar

This book took you to the uncomfortable places that many books avoid. If you were looking for a happy ending, this is not the book for you. It portrayed real, flawed people and showed how the consequences of our actions affect our future.

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M V's avatar

A spectacular book, as are all her books. The best of the century so far? Perhaps not, but certainly worth reading.

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Fran F's avatar

The first three novels in the series were made into an HBO series. After reading /listening to the books I enjoyed seeing the story on the screen. The characters were well cast. In Italian with subtitles.

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Alison Cipriani's avatar

Trite book popular for some unknown reason. Not surprised the times loved it

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ReallyReal's avatar

No.It is not a trite book. It’s a beautiful book. Try reading it?

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Herbert Jacobi's avatar

Well that sounds totally boring.

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Jaunie's avatar

Well … isn’t that part of it all . There is nothing wrong with ( and something inherently positive and uplifting) about the ordinary aspects of life.

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Herbert Jacobi's avatar

Yes, but we read stories to enter worlds different from our own. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but more exciting\interesting. If you go to an art museum you want to see painting or sculpture. Not paint drying on a wall or the debris left on the floor by the sculptor. From the review the characters sound shallow and boring. I can find that on reality TV. The book seems like an episode of The Real Housewives of fillintheblank. Or maybe the Kardashians.

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Tom-from-Canada's avatar

I've not only lost interest in NYT opinion, my knee jerk is to reject their takes. Thier writers have moved so far away from my life, that it is like reading about a different world. Unless the writing is phenomenal, I find very little to to the plot.

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Elizabeth Fama's avatar

Ferrante lucked out, being able to work on her craft in peace, remain anonymous, and enjoy hefty sales. No one else gets that luxury. It's almost impossible to achieve any sales through word-of-mouth alone, never mind blockbuster sales, as Ferrante has. When a publisher buys a manuscript, it's expected that the author will be an enthusiastic marketing partner, no matter how introverted they are. Authors talk about this conundrum a lot among themselves.

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Melissa's avatar

I love hearing your literary opinions! What was your top book choice?

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George's avatar

Not sure book reviews should be part or parcel of a usually decent scientific/ ethical podcast 🫤

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rh97's avatar

This book is very well written but I agree it lacked depth in emotion in the various relationships of youth. It also depicted a culture where intelligence over good character is almost worshipped. But that does seem to be a part of Western European culture. There is no moral growth of the characters in the story through the entire series and it is depressing.

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TM's avatar

My good friend just told

me about this book yesterday. And here my favorite doc gives me a review! But do kinda agree with Herbert Jacobi. Sounds a bit boring, but I’ll give it a try.

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Ann Buttermann's avatar

Review Brotherless Night, please. A novel whose story takes place during the civil war in Sri Lanka.

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Laura Chinnavaso's avatar

Have you read any Pynchon? Anyone who likes Cormac as much as you ought to like him.

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