75 pages • 2 hours read
Elena FerranteThe Story of a New Name
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante continues the compelling saga of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo as they navigate the complexities of life in 1960s Naples. The story picks up with Lila's troubled marriage to Stefano Carracci, marked by betrayal and power struggles. As Elena pursues her academic aspirations, her entanglements with Nino Sarratore create further emotional turmoil. Lila's passionate yet doomed affair with Nino and her eventual relocation with Enzo Scanno to a life of poverty add depth to the narrative. Elena becomes engaged to Pietro Airota and makes strides in her writing career, underscoring the divergent paths the two friends take. The book includes instances of intimate partner violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Elena Ferrante's The Story of a New Name continues the compelling saga of two childhood friends in Naples, praised for its emotional depth and intricate character development. While some critics find its pacing uneven, the rich narrative and vivid portrayal of women’s struggles and aspirations receive high acclaim, solidifying Ferrante’s reputation for literary excellence.
Who Should Read The Story of a New Name?
Fans of Elena Ferrante’s The Story of a New Name typically savor intricate character development and rich, emotional narratives set against vibrant backdrops. Likely readers appreciate the depth found in works like Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits. They enjoy exploring themes of friendship, identity, and societal change.