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 407th 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 2615th 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 2861st 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 3260th 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 3841st 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 4798th 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 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

8. 8. Frantumalja

   

   This collection of essays and reflections offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a reclusive and enigmatic writer, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the creative process. Through a series of personal anecdotes, letters, and interviews, the author delves into the complexities of writing, the influence of her Neapolitan roots, and the challenges of maintaining anonymity in a world that craves personal exposure. The narrative weaves together a tapestry of thoughts that reveal the intricate relationship between the author's life experiences and her literary creations, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the motivations and inspirations behind her acclaimed works.

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9. 9. Lažljivi život Odraslih

   

   Set in the vibrant city of Naples, this coming-of-age story follows Giovanna, a young girl navigating the tumultuous transition from childhood to adolescence. As she overhears a comment from her father comparing her to her estranged aunt Vittoria, Giovanna embarks on a journey to uncover family secrets and understand her own identity. The narrative delves into themes of beauty, betrayal, and the complexities of familial relationships, painting a vivid picture of a young girl's quest for truth amidst the deceptive facades of adulthood.
10. 10. La Figlia Oscura

    

    In this compelling narrative, a middle-aged woman named Leda embarks on a solitary vacation to a seaside town in southern Italy, seeking respite from her demanding life as a professor and mother. Her tranquil retreat is disrupted when she becomes entangled with a boisterous Neapolitan family, particularly a young mother and her daughter. As Leda's fascination with the family grows, she is forced to confront her own tumultuous past and the choices she made as a mother, leading to a profound exploration of identity, maternal instincts, and the haunting shadows of personal history.

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11. 11. Um Estranho Amor

    

    Set against the backdrop of a bustling Italian city, this poignant tale explores the intricate dynamics of familial relationships and the complexities of love. The narrative delves into the life of a woman who is forced to confront her past when she returns to her childhood home. As she navigates through memories and unresolved emotions, she uncovers hidden truths about her family and herself, leading to a profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The story beautifully captures the essence of human connection, the weight of secrets, and the enduring power of love.

12. 12. Escombros

    

13. 13. In The Margins

    On the Pleasures of Reading and Writing

    

    This insightful collection of essays offers a profound exploration of the craft of writing, delving into the intricacies of language, identity, and the creative process. Through a series of reflective and deeply personal narratives, the author examines the challenges and joys of writing from the periphery, where voices often go unheard. The essays provide a window into the author's own experiences and thoughts, revealing the intimate relationship between life and literature, and the transformative power of storytelling. This work is a testament to the enduring significance of literature in understanding and shaping the human experience.

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14. 14. A Filha Perdida

    

    Uma mulher de meia-idade em férias numa praia italiana observa uma jovem família e fica obcecada pelo comportamento da mãe, o que desperta memórias de sua própria maternidade e das escolhas que a levaram a abandonar os filhos anos antes. À medida que se envolve com a família e acaba por furtar a boneca da filha, surgem tensões que a forçam a encarar desejo, culpa e a complexa ambivalência entre liberdade e responsabilidade. A narrativa íntima explora a identidade feminina, o preço da autonomia e as contradições da maternidade.
15. 15. The Lying Life Of Adults

    

    A sharp, intimate coming-of-age story set in Naples that follows a young girl's painful passage from childhood into adolescence as she confronts family secrets, social divisions and the contradictory behaviors of the adults around her; provoked by an overheard insult, she becomes obsessed with an estranged aunt who opens a rougher, more candid world and forces the girl to question who she is, whom to trust, and whether the adult life she admires is built on truth or on lies.

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