The Story of a New Name
Elena Ferrante · b. 1943 · Italy
Originally Storia del nuovo nome (Italian) · translated by Ann Goldstein
Why it matters
Marriage, seaside betrayal, and Lila's fierce reinvention of herself unfold as Lenù buries herself in escape through school, straining the friendship the first volume built. The Quartet's turbulent second act, where both women's lives fracture open.
At a glance
family sagabildungsroman
Difficulty 3/10fast pace471 pagesThe same direct, propulsive prose as the first volume, tracking an even larger ensemble.
Where to go next
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Elena Ferrante · 2011My Brilliant FriendLvl 3Fast paced
Elena Ferrante · 2013Those Who Leave and Those Who StayLvl 4Fast pacedElena Ferrante · 2014The Story of the Lost ChildLvl 4Fast paced
Antonio Tabucchi · 1994Pereira MaintainsLvl 4Medium pace
Jeffrey Eugenides · 2002MiddlesexLvl 6Medium pace