Just started the fourth Ferrante Neopolitan novel on audiobook. Wish there were more.
Am I the only person who didnāt like My Brilliant Friend? Everyone in my book group (except for two of us) loved it. I thought it was tedious and more like a memoir than a novel. Several people in the group encouraged me to read the next book before deciding to give up on the series.
I looked at a sample of My Brilliant Friend on Amazon, and there was something about the writing style that rubbed me the wrong way, so I have avoided Ferranteās books despite all the raves.
@Bromfield2, itās said to be very autobiographical. (āSaidā because Ferrante is a mystery, no one really knows who she is.) What amazed me is how so much of what you read in volume 1 is tied throughout the novels and reverberates in the final, fourth volume.
I loved the books, thought they were among the best Iāve read in a long time. But no, youāre not the only one who didnāt like them. And thatās totally OK 
I thought My Brilliant Friend was a slow start but I ended up really enjoying it and there was a bit of cliffhanger at the end that compelled me into the next book. Her descriptions of relationships have really resonated with me on a personal level. I would imagine the books will ring true with anyone who has found themselves attracted to emotionally unavailable people.
Finished Auschwitz Escape:The Klara Wizel Story, by Danny Naten and R.J. Gifford. It was a pretty short book, but certainly very compelling. How this woman escaped from the holding room outside the gas chamber is pretty amazing. The main thing I drew from the book was how, even when one believes they are done, finished, completely lacking in hope and will, totally and peacefully ready to give up, that little spark of desire, the love of life and the desire to preserve it, is a very strong, ingrained urge.
Reading stories like this, I sometimes cringe inside at what I consider to be great trials and tribulations.
What I liked the most about My Brilliant Friend in addition to the beautiful writing and language was how thoroughly I became immersed in the place and the time. You can so picture the limited opportunities and constrained lives led by these girls and their families and the paths they take by the choices they make or are made for them. I am looking forward to reading Book Two.
@bookmama22, the fourth Ferrante book is in paperback on Amazon!
Thanks for the great news!! I just checked and saw it there. I actually have to place an Amazon order for a gift for my friendās grandson and I was sent the link to do so on Amazon. Since I am no longer prime.. maybe all this together will get me to the dollar amount for free shipping. Otherwise I will just pick up at B & N when available there. They did not have the paperback Europa edition when I was in the store in Park Slope in Brooklyn this past weekend.
Spent this Saturday with āA Man Called Oveā and understand your comment about not being in shape to go off to work. I could NOT put this book down, or the tissues. Thanks to those who recommended the one.
Another Ove fan. I didnāt want the book to end. I wish I knew Ove in real life.
For the Ove ( uuvee) fans.
Youāll enjoy the author Backmanās BBC interview
Click on Fredrik Backman link
FYI-I listened to the audio version. Ove is pronounced āooh-vahā.
Canāt stand it anymore, had to purchase the Ove book!
If you liked āGirl on the Trainā, āGone Girlā, etc. I am currently reading āThe Widowā by Fiona Barton and enjoying it.
Iām reading āA Man Called Oveā now.
Just finished āFalling to Earthā by Kate Smallwood, which was very good, although disconcerting. It left me feeling quiet and thoughtful.
Just picked up Ove to listen on CD. Canāt wait!
Apparently, āA Man called Oveā is a movie breaking records in Sweden, and soon to come to North America
(Although I have some reservations about some of itās content)
http://variety.com/2016/film/global/music-box-acquires-north-american-rights-to-a-man-called-ove-1201719418/
Not sure if all the Gamache fans here know this but Louise Penny has a great monthly newsletter and today it was announced that her publisher is doing a promotional offering that will lead up to the release of the new book, A Great Reckoning (due in August), by providing a Three Pines recipe from each book. Hereās the notice and you can sign up for email info:
And a link to the Minotaur Books site:
Just finished A Little Life. It was good butā¦ Now I need something light and uplifting to read.