One-line summary:
Elena Ferrante’s “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” is a powerful exploration of friendship, motherhood, and the complexities of personal and political change in 1970s Italy.
The Continuing Saga of Elena and Lila
In “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay,” the third installment of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, we continue to follow the lives of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo, two friends from a poor neighborhood in Naples. The story picks up where the previous book left off, with Elena now married to Pietro Airota and living in Florence, while Lila remains in Naples, struggling to make a living and escape her tumultuous marriage to Stefano Carracci.
The Personal and Political Turmoil of 1970s Italy
Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil and social unrest of 1970s Italy, “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” delves into the complexities of the era. Elena becomes increasingly involved in the feminist movement, attending rallies and engaging in intellectual debates, while Lila becomes disillusioned with the political left and starts to question her own beliefs. The novel explores the tension between personal desires and political ideologies, as well as the impact of these larger forces on the lives of ordinary people.
The Challenges of Motherhood and Female Identity
Throughout the book, Elena and Lila grapple with the challenges of motherhood and the expectations placed on women in society. Elena, now a mother of two, struggles to balance her role as a wife, mother, and writer, often feeling torn between her responsibilities and her own ambitions. Lila, on the other hand, resents the limitations imposed on her by motherhood and longs for a life of independence and intellectual fulfillment. The novel explores the ways in which motherhood can both empower and constrain women, and the ways in which female identity is shaped by societal expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- Elena Ferrante’s “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” is a powerful exploration of friendship, motherhood, and the complexities of personal and political change in 1970s Italy.
- The novel delves into the personal and political turmoil of the era, highlighting the tension between personal desires and political ideologies.
- Elena and Lila’s struggles with motherhood and female identity shed light on the challenges faced by women in society.
“We were like children who had lost their way in the woods. We were always searching for something, always a little lost, always a little disappointed.” – Elena Ferrante
In “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay,” Elena Ferrante continues to captivate readers with her vivid portrayal of the lives of Elena and Lila. The novel explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and the complexities of personal and political change in 1970s Italy. Through Elena and Lila’s experiences, Ferrante delves into the challenges faced by women in society and the impact of larger political forces on their lives.
The continuing saga of Elena and Lila forms the heart of the novel. As Elena navigates her new life in Florence, she grapples with the expectations placed on her as a wife, mother, and writer. Meanwhile, Lila remains in Naples, trapped in a tumultuous marriage and struggling to make a living. Their friendship is tested as they grow apart and face different challenges, but their bond remains a central theme throughout the book.
Against the backdrop of 1970s Italy, Ferrante explores the political and social unrest of the era. Elena becomes increasingly involved in the feminist movement, attending rallies and engaging in intellectual debates. Lila, however, becomes disillusioned with the political left and questions her own beliefs. The novel highlights the tension between personal desires and political ideologies, and the impact these larger forces have on the lives of ordinary people.
Motherhood is another prominent theme in the book. Elena grapples with the challenges of balancing her role as a wife, mother, and writer, often feeling torn between her responsibilities and her own ambitions. Lila, on the other hand, resents the limitations imposed on her by motherhood and longs for a life of independence and intellectual fulfillment. Ferrante explores the ways in which motherhood can both empower and constrain women, and the ways in which female identity is shaped by societal expectations.
In conclusion, “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, motherhood, and personal and political change. Elena Ferrante’s vivid storytelling and rich character development make this book a compelling read. Through Elena and Lila’s experiences, Ferrante sheds light on the challenges faced by women in society and the impact of larger political forces on their lives.
