49 pages • 1 hour read
The Lost Daughter
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Book Brief
140
Novel • Fiction
Southern Italy • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante, 47-year-old English literature professor Leda takes a working holiday and becomes captivated by Nina, a young mother on the beach with her daughter Elena, which brings back memories of Leda’s own challenging motherhood. The novel explores themes of maternal ambivalence, identity, and class, culminating in Leda's struggle to face her past decisions. Includes abandonment trauma.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
56,507 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elena Ferrante's The Lost Daughter has been lauded for its intense exploration of motherhood and self-identity. Critics praise Ferrante's raw, evocative writing style and deep psychological insight. However, some find the protagonist's actions unsettling and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Lost Daughter?
Readers who relish introspective, psychological narratives and complex female protagonists will appreciate Elena Ferrante's The Lost Daughter. Fans of My Brilliant Friend and The Hours will find the exploration of motherhood, identity, and solitude equally compelling. This book suits those drawn to character-driven stories with profound emotional depth.
56,507 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
140
Novel • Fiction
Southern Italy • Contemporary
2006
Adult
18+ years
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