Elena Ferrante's Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay is widely praised for its compelling depiction of female friendship and the socio-political changes in post-war Italy. Critics laud Ferrante's complex characters and evocative prose. However, some find the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally meandering. Overall, it’s a powerful and thought-provoking read.

A reader who would enjoy Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay by Elena Ferrante is likely captivated by complex female friendships, intricate character development, and social commentary. Fans of My Brilliant Friend, The Goldfinch, and The Secret History will appreciate Ferrante's profound exploration of personal and societal struggles.

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay chronicles the beginning of middle age for Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo as they navigate success, marriage, and motherhood amid the socio-political changes of 1970s Naples. Elena publishes a successful novel, marries Pietro, and struggles with dissatisfaction in her personal and intellectual life, while Lila faces harsh working conditions and eventual success in a new role. The intertwined lives of these two women are further complicated by the reappearance of Nino, leading to significant personal upheavals. The book depicts sexual assault, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Nostalgic / Emotional / Bittersweet

- Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay is the third installment in Elena Ferrante's highly acclaimed Neapolitan Novels, which have gained international recognition for their depiction of female friendship and social transformation.
- Elena Ferrante, the enigmatic author of the series, has never publicly revealed her true identity, sparking widespread speculation and numerous investigations into who she might be.
- The Neapolitan Novels series, including Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, has been adapted into a successful television series titled My Brilliant Friend, which has further amplified its global popularity.

**Elena Greco**  
Elena is the first-person narrator and protagonist who navigates marriage, motherhood, and professional challenges while grappling with feelings of inadequacy and struggling to find her unique voice.

**Lila Cerullo**  
Raffaella Cerullo, known as Lila, is Elena’s childhood friend and competitor, a brilliant and ambitious woman whose complex relationship with Elena oscillates between admiration and rivalry.

**Pietro Airota**  
Pietro is Elena’s husband, a successful professor from a prominent family, whose traditional views and distant personality create tension in their marriage.

**Nino Sarratore**  
Nino is a charismatic intellectual from Elena’s neighborhood, whom she has admired since childhood, and whose self-centered nature complicates their relationship.

**Bruno Soccavo**  
Bruno is the owner of a salami factory and part of the upper class, known for his exploitative and cruel behavior towards workers.

**Michele Solara**  
Michele is a member of a powerful and influential family in Naples with a reputation for supporting Fascist ideology, and he is obsessed with possessing Lila's intellect.

**Enzo Scanno**  
Enzo is Lila’s loyal companion, known for his gentleness, intelligence, and respect, providing stability in her life and caring for her son.

**Pasquale Peluso**  
Pasquale is a childhood friend of Lila and Elena, who becomes radicalized in his support of the Communist cause and is critical of Elena's choices.

**Nadia Galiani**  
Nadia is Pasquale’s girlfriend and the daughter of Elena’s former teacher, passionate about the class struggle and critical of social mobility.

Elena Ferrante

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Chapters 61-96

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