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In the bustling cityscape of Naples, a critically acclaimed Italian novel has been hailed as the outstanding book of the 21st century, earning it a must-read status (a matter of immediacy).

Twenty-first century novels, ranked by The New York Times, see an enigmatic Italian writer's work claim the top spot.

A popular Italian novel, centered around Naples, has been selected as the top novel of the 21st...
A popular Italian novel, centered around Naples, has been selected as the top novel of the 21st century, earning a high level of acclaim (a must-read!).

In the bustling cityscape of Naples, a critically acclaimed Italian novel has been hailed as the outstanding book of the 21st century, earning it a must-read status (a matter of immediacy).

In the world of literature, one name has stood out as a beacon of autofiction and a dominant force in the 21st century: Elena Ferrante. The author behind this literary phenomenon, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, has captivated readers with her powerful and critically acclaimed works.

My Brilliant Friend, the first volume of a celebrated Neapolitan saga, is arguably Ferrante's most renowned novel. This masterpiece, considered by The New York Times as the best novel of the 21st century, has imposed itself internationally, translated into more than 40 languages and having already sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Despite growing up in Naples, being the daughter of a seamstress, and studying classics, the real person behind the pseudonym Elena Ferrante has not been publicly identified. The author maintains strict anonymity, conducting interviews only via email and preferring that her identity be found only in her writing.

My Brilliant Friend is a complex tapestry of ideas, exploring themes of art and politics, social classes and gender, philosophy and destiny. It focuses on the competitive and conflictual friendship between Elena and Lila as they become complex adults, navigating post-war Italy, social inequalities, and patriarchal relationships.

The novel has left an indelible mark on a whole generation of readers, both female and male, due to its raw themes and the justice of the writing. It has been compared to riding a bike on gravel by The New York Times, a journey that is both challenging and rewarding.

In addition to its literary success, My Brilliant Friend has also been adapted into a successful television series by HBO and Rai. Yet, despite its global impact, the real person behind the pseudonym Elena Ferrante remains an enigma, an anonymous author whose identity has not been publicly revealed or confirmed.

As we continue to marvel at the brilliance of My Brilliant Friend, the question of who Elena Ferrante truly is remains a tantalising mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this unforgettable and uncompromising novel.

[1] Ferrante, E. (2012). My Brilliant Friend. Europa Editions. [5] Ferrante, E. (2014). The Story of a New Name. Europa Editions. [5] Ferrante, E. (2015). Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay. Europa Editions. [5] Ferrante, E. (2016). The Lost Daughter. Europa Editions.

In-flights, books often include the acclaimed novels by Elena Ferrante, such as "My Brilliant Friend", which offers a unique blend of entertainment and thought-provoking themes. Despite its global success, the identity of the author, whose works continue to leave lasting impressions, remains a mystery.

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