Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

The Neapolitan Novels, Book 3

By: Elena Ferrante

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

In the third book in the New York Times bestselling Neapolitan quartet that inspired the HBO series My Brilliant Friend, Elena and Lila have grown into womanhood.

Lila married at sixteen and has a young son; she has left her husband and the comforts her marriage brought and now works as a common laborer. Elena has left the neighborhood, earned her college degree, and published a successful novel, all of which has opened the doors to a world of learned interlocutors and richly furnished salons.

Both women are pushing against the walls of a prison that would have seen them living a life of misery, ignorance, and submission. They are afloat on the great sea of opportunities that opened up for women during the 1970s. And yet, they are still very much bound to each other in a book that “shows off Ferrante’s strong storytelling ability and will leave readers eager for the final volume of the series” (Library Journal).

©2015 Elena Ferrante (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Can't get enough of this series

I'm at work listening, doing assembly work and rushing to turn down the volume anytime someone comes in the room, just in case a racy part starts. There's only men who work here so it already sounds like I'm listening to something elicit, if only because a woman is speaking. How Elena Ferrante delves into sexism and classism rings true here, working in a factory, surrounded by machismo, 40+ years after the time her novel is set.

I cant stop reading these books!

Reading these Neapolitan novels has defined this summer for me and I’m sure I will always remember this summer as the one where I was finally able to read them compulsively and non-stop, starting the next the minute I finished each one. I had to know what happened and how it ended and what she thought and how their friendship fared….and then I had to go back and read them in paper more slowly to think about each thing that happened and what it meant. I can’t recommend these wonderful authentic books more highly despite not really loving the narrator’s flat voice.

Not my favorite in the series but still a necessary part of the story.

A little too political at times but I realize it was a necessary evil. Elena Greco needed depth and her often-changing political views provided that depth.

Not the best one

The first one so far has been the best. THe performance is excellent. The last one (according to the NY times) is amazing... so on to the next!

The narrator spoiled these audiobooks for me

I first took interest in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels because my grandfather, whom I did not know, was born in Naples. When I heard that they were wonderful, I purchased the first audiobook right away, and I loved it. The books are written very artfully. Ferrante cleverly mixes contemporaneous narrative and historical reflection. However, I was puzzled why I found listening to the books progressively more painful. Everything about the character Elena's story was compelling. However, I was finding her unlikeable, and more so as the books progressed. Then, I realized that it was the narrator. When discussing the books with someone who read them, our takes on the character were different, and I believe this was due to the narration. There are many audiobooks in which the narrator enrichens the experience. Unfortunately, this was not the case with the Neapolitan novels, at least for me. I need a break before finishing the series.

Perfectly paced. Love the voice of Hillary Huber

I will seek out other books performed by Hillary. I followed that practice with Corrie James whose performances I loved over and over. As to the writing the, author has exquisite control over the release of information so that I was living the lives of these characters. I must say I'm glad that my life is nowhere near as turbulent as the lives of a Lenu and Lila, but I do know people whose lives follow that tempestuous course, so that I could believe everything that was happening even though it is not part of my world. Also I intend to learn more about the politics of Italy during this time. The story has aroused my interest. Finally, the story is of my time. I am the same age as Elena.

Hillary Huber brings this novel to life.

I do not know the historical accuracy if this novel but the book has been enlivened by the reader. I will miss it now that it has ended.

Better all the time

The first book was a challenge but the series has just continued to build in strength,creativity and enjoyment. For those just starting stick with it. The rewards are enormous.

Excellent 👍

my only disappointment is when the series will end, great writing! it's easy to imagine all the beautiful places in Italy and the stories of the people are very detailed, to make your imagination sore.

Summary

I love everything about this book and the series. I can't wait to start the next book which is the final book.