Elena Ferrante

"I believe that books, once they are written, have no need of their authors."

Elena Ferrante is one of Italy's most acclaimed authors. Her identity, however, is kept secret.

She was born in Naples and is the author of seven novels: The Days of Abandonment, lTroubling Love, The Lost Daughter, and the quartet of Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child.

What is Elena Ferrante best known for?

She is best known for her novels, most notably the Neapolitan Novels quartet beginning with My Brilliant Friend.

Which books and series has she written?

Her published works include the Neapolitan Quartet: My Brilliant Friend; The Story of a New Name; Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay; The Story of the Lost Child. She has also written standalone novels such as The Days of Abandonment, Troubling Love, The Lost Daughter, The Lying Life of Adults, and the non fiction collection Frantumaglia: A Writer's Journey.

What is the recommended reading order for the Neapolitan Novels?

Read them in publication order: 1) My Brilliant Friend, 2) The Story of a New Name, 3) Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, 4) The Story of the Lost Child.

Which book should I start with if I’m new to her work?

If you want the full epic, start with My Brilliant Friend. For a shorter introduction to her style, try a standalone such as The Days of Abandonment or The Lying Life of Adults.