My Brilliant Friend

Amazing book and the audio book way better!!! The expressions the narrator had and how she spoke, amazing!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I loved this book, the characters, the prose, and style of writing. Though at times the booked moved slowly, the words were so rich in detail and description that it was worth the initial quieter pace to reach a plot crescendo. We have traveled extensively in Italy and also have distant relatives still living there; this book explains so much of of the family and social values that are there yet somewhat hidden in it's culture and society. It reminded me very much of the American Classic book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". Could not wait to start the 2nd book in this series. Also found the narrator's pacing and voice changes when needed were very well done. Highly recommend!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good narrator and good book. They fit well together.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love these novels, so atmospheric. An absolute joy to listen to.

I'm getting through this slowly but surely. It was recommended to me by someone who'd read the book and is a bit drawn out for audio I'd say. Also not much along the lines of action as yet (I have about 4 hours to go). Narrator's attempts at an Italian accent are.. American, otherwise she is great. The most important failing for me is the actual story of this girl who reveres a girl her age, who to me is a total ****. An interesting character, but the girl from whom the story is narrated, is a frustrating account of how she never feels as good as this "friend". She needs to stop comparing herself and notice she is also brilliant (and much nicer overall). On the whole, I'm enjoying it, but I wouldn't highly recommend it.

I loved this book. The characters grow on one. I can't wait to get the next one!

Loved the story, couldn’t stop listening! I also liked the narrator though I know some people don’t. I just finished the first book and immediately bought the next in the series.

I was urged to read this book as I live on the island of Ischia which is referenced at various stages. Although I found the book and the narration very engaging at times, my overall feeling was one of disappointment. I knew that this wouldn't be a book with much "action" so to speak but I was surprised by how few actual events occurred. The main emphasis centres around perceptions of relationships and the growing pains (physical and mental) of a young girl growing up in Naples. I do understand why the books are so revered but this really isn't a genre that I enjoy and I won't be listening to the other books in the series. I thought the narrator was fairly good though.

Beautiful story

I really enjoyed this book. I started reading it in paperback but found it hard to follow with all the characters. Much easier to listen to on audiobook. I am planning on listening to the other 3