74 pages • 2 hours read
The Story of the Lost Child
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Naples, Italy • 1980s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Story of the Lost Child follows the intertwined lives of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo as they navigate their friendships and tumultuous personal journeys amidst the backdrop of Naples. Elena leaves her husband for her childhood love, Nino, and returns to Naples, where Lila has become successful but remains entangled with criminal forces. Both women have daughters, and their relationships are strained further by betrayal, grief, and the pursuit of personal ambitions.
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
172,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elena Ferrante's The Story of the Lost Child concludes the Neapolitan Novels with powerful emotional depth and narrative complexity. Critics praise its rich character development and depiction of female friendship. Some find the pacing uneven, but the immersive storytelling and cultural specificity are widely lauded. A compelling finale to a beloved series.
Who Should Read The Story of the Lost Child?
A reader who would enjoy The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante is often captivated by intricate, evolving female friendships and the complexities of personal and political change over time. Fans of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt may find similar immersive storytelling and richly detailed character studies.
172,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Naples, Italy • 1980s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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