My Brilliant Friend

[Mawbagz]

Is anybody watching this beautiful series?

It’s so good, the music, the kids, everything

It's wonderful. Apparently the actress that plays Elena had never acted before. The music, the set design is amazing and just draws you in.

It’s just fabulous isn’t it! I read the first book, then watched the series when it came out

Finished series 2 yesterday

There’s an HBO documentary on the making of it../. Those actors are only 14! How they managed to act such a range is a mystery to me, the director must be fabulous!

I saw that doco too! The set design is pretty incredible and the way the director interacted with the girls was really lovely. I can't wait for season 3 and might read the book in the meantime.

This is the best thing I’ve ever watched on television. Highly recommended

Sorry, I didn't see this thread!

Started a different one today:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3970622-My-Brilliant-Friend-and-I-May-Destroy-You-extraordinary-commonality-of-interest?msgid=98388197

I can't wait for season 3 and might read the book in the meantime.

I started Vol. 3 last night - and have scarcely put it down today. Very glad the TV series have prompted me to start reading Elena Ferrante. I'd rather held off from all the hype - but it's a fantastic read.

Halfway through Vol. 4 I'd say reading the two books not yet adapted is imperative for a full appreciation of the earlier story shown on screen.

No spoilers but - it's amazing the way things that seemed mere insignificant snapshots of their childhood assume the greatest possible importance later on. The line she follows between then and adulthood is breathtaking.

What awe the names of all the books? I am in Australia and wanting to order them online but Amazon Australia doesn't seem to have all the paperbacks only audio versions.

Series 2 is incredible. So beautifully filmed. The scene where Elena is stuck in a traffic jam with Lila's abusive husband is breath taking, pastel coloured car upon coloured car. They actually also "built" the neighbourhood. I really hope they film all the books. Makes me want to read them all again. I agree about how little things have so much significance later on.
Watching highlight of my year.

Oh i love this . Just got the books

IjustbelieveinMe, assuming you mean the Neapolitan Quartet, they are:

My Brilliant Friend
The Story of a New Name
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
The Story of the Lost Child

Yes, Season 2 is amazing. (And amazingly painful.) Lila's simple reaction to a piece of good news Lenu brings her towards the end just wrenched unexpected tears from me.

I would get on faster if, each time I put Volume 4 down, I wasn't scared to go back to it ... The pace quickens, the stakes rise higher and higher, the reversals of fortune are ever more astonishing. The whole thing is terrifying. I've run out of swearwords to fling at one or two characters - and still have miles to go ...

@PerditaProvokesEnmity

IjustbelieveinMe, assuming you mean the Neapolitan Quartet, they are:

My Brilliant Friend
The Story of a New Name
Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
The Story of the Lost Child

Yes, Season 2 is amazing. (And amazingly painful.) Lila's simple reaction to a piece of good news Lenu brings her towards the end just wrenched unexpected tears from me.

I would get on faster if, each time I put Volume 4 down, I wasn't scared to go back to it ... The pace quickens, the stakes rise higher and higher, the reversals of fortune are ever more astonishing. The whole thing is terrifying. I've run out of swearwords to fling at one or two characters - and still have miles to go ...

Thanks for the list of books

Enjoying it so much, it's totally compulsive. It's also very refreshing to watch a series where the actors are not all familiar faces! I just wish poor Lenu didn't have to wear those big glasses most of the time!

I liked them! They provided a very clear visual representation from early youth of her separation from the 'neighbourhood'.

(If I have a complaint it might be that the otherwise beautiful English translation of the novels veers towards American-ese.) I don't know if Lenu reflects on the significance of her glasses in the novel - I may need to go back and read the adapted volumes too.

Having finished the final book of the quartet yesterday I'm still shaken by EF's astonishing portrayal of one particular father and son - the refining of a character trait over generations and the accumulation of pain and trauma they leave in their wake.

Magnificent literary achievement - really hope the final two will also be adapted for the screen.

Hi all, where are you watching this?

I watched Season 1 on Now TV, and Season 2 on iTunes. (No TV or TV licence. Have spent a fortune over lockdown, but I really object to the TV licence people's strong arm harassment and won't give them a penny.)

I don't know for sure but imagine either one or both might be on iPlayer atm.

Do give them a try!

I just finished series 3 last night. Both seasons have been breathtaking. I haven't read the books, not sure I should until I've watched all 4 seasons (assuming they are made!) I did however hear season 3 is planned but with older actresses. I dont know how I feel about that?? I've tried Google but cant find out who the actresses will be. I just couldn't get on with the latest series of the crown after the change so hope it wont affect MBF. I'm sure it wont though, as the transition from girls to teenagers was so thoughtfully done.

Meant to say I've just finished series 2 obviously not 3!

I'm longing for the next adaptations because I want to see Nino in middle age - and Lila in late middle age (when Lenu says she looks like an 'old' woman).

It occurs to me that the one thing the TV versions have, that the books don't, really, is humour. The composer Max Richter is a bit ubiquitous but his soundtrack did so much to lift the mood and vary the pace on screen. It added hugely to my enjoyment.

I watch Series 2 on Sky Atlantic.

Oh this is my most favourite series ever. I have read all four books and am delighted with the adaptation.

I watched series one about three times, and will rewatch series two once I have fully digested it from the first time around. These books should be studied at school, they are masterpieces.

I've just downloaded the series on Sky but am wondering whether I should read the books first. What would those who have watched and read recommend?

Depends on how appealing you find the actor - Francesco Serpico - who plays Nino (once he's past young childhood). He's much, much prettier than any image I might have created in my head - so that gave a context when I was reading volumes 3 and 4. Lila, too, is spectacular to look at.

I dunno ... Usually I would say book first, but the filmed version is so immediate. The written words are wonderfully acute but quite dense; the screen wins for sheer punch of emotion. Oh, and the music!

Watch S.1 & 2 - then read the unadapted 3 & 4!

Thanks Perdita