This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. My Brilliant Friend

   Neapolitan Novels, Book One

   

   This novel tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy in the 1950s. Their intense, complicated friendship is marked by competition, mutual respect, and deep affection. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including family drama, academic struggles, and romantic entanglements, their bond is tested and transformed. The narrative explores themes of female friendship, social class, education, and the struggle for personal autonomy in a patriarchal society.

   The 409th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Neapolitan Novels

   My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, The Story of the Lost Child

   

   "The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.

   The 2618th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Story Of The Lost Child

   Maturity, Old Age

   

   In the final installment of the Neapolitan Novels, the complex and evolving friendship between Elena and Lila reaches its culmination against the backdrop of a changing Naples. As both women navigate personal and professional challenges, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing deep-seated emotions and long-held secrets. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the enduring impact of their bond, ultimately portraying a poignant and intricate portrait of female friendship and the passage of time.

   The 2867th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Days Of Abandonment

   

   The novel follows Olga, a woman in her late thirties, who is abruptly abandoned by her husband after fifteen years of marriage. Struggling to cope with the sudden betrayal and the collapse of her family life, Olga descends into a state of emotional turmoil and despair. As she grapples with her intense feelings of anger, jealousy, and confusion, she must also navigate the practical challenges of single parenthood. The story delves deeply into her psychological unraveling and eventual journey towards self-discovery and resilience.

   The 3265th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Troubling Love

   

   This novel follows a woman who returns to Naples after her mother's mysterious death, determined to understand the enigmatic life her mother led. As she delves into her mother's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers more about her own identity in the process. The narrative explores themes of mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the power of the past.

   The 3845th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Those Who Leave And Those Who Stay

   Neapolitan Novels, Book Three

   

   The novel explores the evolving friendship between two women, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the complexities of adulthood in 1970s Italy. Elena, now a successful author, grapples with her role as a wife and mother while confronting societal expectations and personal ambitions. Meanwhile, Lila, having left her abusive marriage, struggles with the harsh realities of working-class life and political unrest. Their intertwined lives reflect broader themes of identity, loyalty, and the enduring impact of their shared past in a rapidly changing world.

   The 4806th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Story Of A New Name

   

   The novel continues the compelling saga of two childhood friends, Elena and Lila, as they navigate the complexities of adulthood in a vibrant yet turbulent neighborhood in Naples. As their lives diverge, Lila faces the challenges of an oppressive marriage while Elena pursues academic success and personal growth. The story delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the enduring, often fraught bond between the two women, set against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal aspirations. Their intertwined journeys reveal the struggles and resilience required to forge one's path in a world marked by change and tradition.

   The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time