Questions About The Story of the Lost Child (Neapolitan Novels, #4)

by Elena Ferrante

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Answered Questions (41)

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Lana

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Do you think Lila could be trusted as a friend? Why Lina continues this toxic relationship with Lila, who to me is perfect illustration of the proverb with friends like this..Lila is complex character, manipulative yet selfless, evil yet kind at the same time, but too dangerous to have as a friend I think.

Josie I don't think Elena was always trustworthy. Although a complicated relationship, throughout their lives each one let the other down and each one was t…moreI don't think Elena was always trustworthy. Although a complicated relationship, throughout their lives each one let the other down and each one was there for the other at other times.
After much thought, (this being such a feminist book) maybe Elena and Lila are two parts of what makes one woman whole. Each had things that the other lacked. When they didn't need it, they didn't see each other for long periods of time.(less)

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Significance of dolls?

Angela

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I am awestruck by this series but I am disappointed that the ending leaves so many unanswered questions. I know that inconclusive endings are all the rage and a sign of sophistication, but with this saga, that is so detailed, introspective, and nuanced, it seems a cop out to leave that many loose ends. Does anyone else feel the same?

Anne While I would enjoy something that explains everything, one thing about this series that impressed me so much is how real the plot points seemed. Many…moreWhile I would enjoy something that explains everything, one thing about this series that impressed me so much is how real the plot points seemed. Many things happened that I didn't in any way see coming, but still felt totally like what happens in life. So the ending fits with that - the books, and the women's lives, no doubt, end with many unanswered questions. As lives do.(less)

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I got a bit confused towards the end of this book regarding Elena's story called the Friendship. She says this was a short 80 pg novel. So this is not the story she is currently writing ... and that we see her starting at the beginning of book 1 shortly after she learns about Lila's disappearance. Correct? But they seem to have the same subject matter ... eg the story of Elena and Lila ... why?

Marie Sinha The Friendship was an 80 page book Elena wrote about Tina. The book wasn't the complete story of Elena and Lina's six decades together. It seemed to b…moreThe Friendship was an 80 page book Elena wrote about Tina. The book wasn't the complete story of Elena and Lina's six decades together. It seemed to be a much shorter story. After it came out, Lina stopped talking to Elena. The much longer story Elena has written is after Lina disappeared. She disappeared many years after she stopped talking to Elena so this is a different book. (less)

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