The Story of a New Name cover art

The Story of a New Name

The Neapolitan Novels, Book 2

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The Story of a New Name

By: Elena Ferrante
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
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About this listen

The follow-up to My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name continues the epic New York Times bestselling literary quartet that has inspired an HBO series, and returns us to the world of Lila and Elena, who grew up together in post-WWII Naples, Italy.

In The Story of a New Name, Lila has recently married and made her entrée into the family business; Elena, meanwhile, continues her studies and her exploration of the world beyond the neighborhood that she so often finds stifling. Marriage appears to have imprisoned Lila, and the pressure to excel is at times too much for Elena. Yet the two young women share a complex and evolving bond that is central to their emotional lives and a source of strength in the face of life’s challenges.

In these Neapolitan Novels, Elena Ferrante, “one of the great novelists of our time” (New York Times), gives us a poignant and universal story about friendship and belonging, a meditation on love and jealousy, freedom and commitment—at once a masterfully plotted page-turner and an intense, generous-hearted family saga.

©2012 Edizioni E/O. Translation © 2013 by Europa Editions (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Italy

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All stars
Most relevant  
Her story writing is second to none. I'm enchanted. I will move straight to the 3rd and I can not wait to start.

A beautiful story continued

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The island part is a little bit redundant, besides that I enjoys this book and reading.

Less than the first one, but still amazing.

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Just finish book 2 in the series
Unable to rate the book until book 3

Book2

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This book is absolutely perfect in every way just read and enjoy and consider yourself lucky if you haven’t already!!

A Prefect listen

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Ferrante's novels set in post-war Naples are nothing short of magnificent. She seems the only writer currently able to capture the complexity of female friendships.

I am pretty disappointed with the narration by Hilary Huber however. I'm not sure how she was chosen to narrate the novels... I agree with some of the other reviewers that it sounds robotic. She doesn't pronounce 'Elena' correctly. Every male voice narrated sounds identical, the intonation she uses is always the same, and therefore sounds slightly comical even, which undermines the writing. It's a shame as I want to continue to the next novel but I think I will buy the book instead or try the Italian version.

Ferrante's novels deserve a better narrator

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The words paint a rich and three dimensional picture of the feelings,thoughts and all round experience of Elena's formative years, in an evocative and honest manner.

A beautifully woven account

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Every bit as good, if not better, than the first. Wonderfully written, evocative and compelling.

Brilliant

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I struggled a bit at the beginning but after a while the story caught me and wouldn't let me go. It's beautifully written and narrated. A pure joy to listen!

Amazing!

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Grounded and brilliantly visual, beautiful and harsh, totally addictive, I listened at even the smallest opportunity

Page turning

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The story flows very well. It’s difficult to put down but equally if you haven’t got a lot of time and leave it for a few days or weeks you just pick it up where you left off.
Lenu is very self analytical which is interesting in a young girl. It feels autobiographical. How on earth she would’ve remembered all that detail is beyond me. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Gripping story telling

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