53 pages • 1 hour read
Elena FerranteThe Lying Life of Adults
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante, Giovanna Trada narrates her adolescence in Naples, Italy, from ages 13 to 16. After overhearing her father compare her to her disliked Aunt Vittoria, Giovanna meets her aunt and begins to question her parents' integrity and her own identity. The story explores themes of familial conflict, self-discovery, and societal expectations as Giovanna navigates her evolving relationships and burgeoning independence. Sensitive topics such as infidelity and sexual encounters are present in the narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante captures a turbulent coming-of-age story with vivid prose and complex characters. Critics praise its exploration of identity and family dynamics but note its slower pace and intricate plot may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it's a deeply emotional and introspective novel.
Who Should Read The Lying Life of Adults?
The reader who would enjoy The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante is one who appreciates coming-of-age stories with deep psychological insights and complex family dynamics. Fans of Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels, as well as those who liked Normal People by Sally Rooney or The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, will find this novel captivating.
324
Novel • Fiction
Naples, Italy • 1990s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.