Our usual biographical intro was quite brief...no one knows for sure who Elena Ferrante is. She has said that she wants her books to stand on their own...not to be muddled by her real identity and biography. Some did not like the fact that someone tried to "out" her. See link above.
Members listed authors whose true nature did impact their reading. (Can't think of one. Salinger?) Best not to know and get absorbed in the writing.
One member read the 4 books out of order...she read Book 3 first. Interesting that she did not feel order mattered. Although she was confused by names. (Thus the list of characters in the front of each novel.)
One was pointed out that Lenu's mother, makes it possible for Lenu to advance beyond what is expected. Will Lenu realize that as she ages?
Another pointed out that the men do not come across very well. At least not yet. Will there be a mostly positive male appearing?
Another mentioned that the complexity of friendship--with its ebb and flow from love to envy to emulation back to love--was beautifully portrayed.
Many have already read all four novels in the series. Others are on their way.
Next up: Russell Banks The Darling
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