It’s been a while since I read Ferrante’s series. I was probably in my mid 20s, but I presume they were as good as I remember. And for some reason I find myself currently craving brilliant books set in Italy, preferably the south.
I loved the depth and textures of characters and sense of place that shone through Ferrante’s books. Is there anything similar out there?
by Diadema11
2 Comments
I highly recommend The Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Céspedes. It was recently re-translated by Ann Goldstein (who also translated Ferrante), and it captures that similar raw, unfiltered female interiority. It’s a devastating look at a woman’s secret inner life in 1950s Rome. I think it has the depth and texture you’re looking for.
Elsa Morante, Lies and Sorcery. I thought it was awfully good.