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  • My Brilliant Friend

  • The Neapolitan Novels, Book 1
  • Written by: Elena Ferrante
  • Narrated by: Hillary Huber
  • Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (196 ratings)

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My Brilliant Friend cover art

My Brilliant Friend

Written by: Elena Ferrante
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
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Publisher's Summary

Now an HBO series: the first volume in the New York Times bestselling “enduring masterpiece” (The Atlantic) about a lifelong friendship between two women from Naples

Beginning in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, Elena Ferrante’s four-volume story spans almost sixty years, as its main characters, the fiery and unforgettable Lila and the bookish narrator, Elena, become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship.

This first novel in the series follows Lila and Elena from their fateful meeting as ten-year-olds through their school years and adolescence. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between two women.

©2012 GO Team! Enterprises (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What the critics say

"Hillary Huber's subtly shaded performance couldn't be better as she reveals the complexities that separate and connect the two women.... Huber's delivery of this well-plotted, absorbing story of friendship will leave listeners wanting more." (AudioFile)

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What listeners say about My Brilliant Friend

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

weakest of the series

This is a very interesting book as it deals with a friendship that is 'unusual' from what one usually reads in novels. Of the four neapolitan novels, I found this the least interesting, but it did help to build the 'foundation' for the rest of the novels, and I think as a series it is very good and very interesting.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Had to read for a class

Not a big fan of this one. Found it tame and pretty boring. The story was engaging at times but overall uneventful. Had to write a paper on it but felt there wasn't much to talk about in this book. If you like books that surround a group of people in a town going about daily life and struggles then this is for you, if you don't then avoid at all costs

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I read all the books in the series

the narrator had an addictively soothing voice, the story was well written and in such a way where it was very analytical and descriptive. it's kind of how I think and reflect as well, so it was very interesting to read a book that had a heroine that did the same thing, it made me feel like I was in her head

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Real Surprise.

I chose this book in a bit of a hurry because I had 6 credits waiting in my #Audible1 basket. Since I happen to have a brilliant friend, it made sense.

I listened every morning on my pilgrimage (as I pretend I’m walking the Camino de Santiago) and was pleasantly surprised. I found myself returning to my childhood with memories of my own.

This story of the lives of two young girls, revolves around post WW2 Italy. It is an historical novel, told from their perspective, from their innocence to maturity.

It is a winner, narrated by an accomplished reader, and worthy of commendation for my discriminating book club.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating.

I could not stop until I finished it. The characters reminded me people I once knew. I can't wait to start the next one.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Italian words pronounced with Spanish pronunciation

This really spoiled my mood to listen. That should have been the first thing to ensure: pronounce the Italian names right. It’s a book about Naples! She is pronouncing the names with a Spanish pronunciation.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Settle in!

Once I settled into the pace another world in amazing detail opened up. An amazing book in simple language.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Terrible story.

Don’t bother with this one! It is totally boring. I listen to 5 chapters hoping it would get better but it doesn’t.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Worst ending of an ok book

The story itself progressed, the characters were interesting but the ending or lack thereof destroyed the book for me. I would not recommend this book

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

So not worth your time or money

This book was a big disappointment. No story line and no character development. Dont waste your time.

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