I love this series so much. I feel completely involved in the lives of Lenu, Lila, the neighborhood, etc. At times during this volume I felt a bit distanced by the description of the political climate of Italy in the 1970s, but as always I'm sucked into the story again through Lenu's observations.

I think the beginning was a wonderful explanation of the inner workings of why Ferrante the author wants to remain anonymous. It's laid out pretty succinctly as we see Lenu struggle with the publication of her novel and having to field all the questions about something that should be able to speak for itself. It creates such anxiety for her and also a version of herself that she feels she must fulfill - a noted/celebrated author.

Later in the book I related so well to Lenu's struggle to be creative while also being a mother and a wife. She has no time to write. It makes sense that when Nino ambles back into the story and tells her husband to give up his time so that she may write that she once again feels that love for him she did when she was a teenager. But UGH, that ending! I said out loud "WHAT THE F*CK LENU" as the ending unfolded. I read this volume pretty slowly but the last 10% of the book I read in one sitting because I couldn't believe what was happening.

Nino Sarratore is The. Worst. and Lenu, Lenu, I can't believe you...