The Lost Daughter
NOW A MOTION PICTURE NOMINATED FOR THREE OSCARS--Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay--Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Olivia Colman, Jesse Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Dakota Johnson
Another penetrating Neapolitan story from New York Times best-selling author of My Brilliant Friend and The Lying Life of Adults Leda, a middle-aged divorcée, is alone for the first time in years after her two adult daughters leave home to live with their father in Toronto. Enjoying an unexpected sense of liberty, she heads to the Ionian coast for a vacation. But she soon finds herself intrigued by Nina, a young mother on the beach, eventually striking up a conversation with her. After Nina confides a dark secret, one seemingly trivial occurrence leads to events that could destroy Nina's family in this "arresting" novel by the author of the New York Times-bestselling Neapolitan Novels, which have sold millions of copies and been adapted into an HBO series (Publishers Weekly). "Although much of the drama takes place in [Leda's] head, Ferrante's gift for psychological horror renders it immediate and visceral."--The New Yorker "Ferrante's prose is stunningly candid, direct and unforgettable. From simple elements, she builds a powerful tale of hope and regret."--Publishers WeeklyBUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I had to read this for one of my book clubs, and here is a book about an Italian Karin I did not have to read at all. It is short but extremely dry and boring. How do you make a summer in Italy boring read this book to find out. It is about a petty, dull, and narcissistic middle-aged divorcee vacationing alone. I hoped some humor and deep, profound lessons would be learned in a full life. Instead, it was just petty and dull. I did enjoy the last line.
listened to the book on Libby. Short book. Not sure if I liked it. the main character is a 'hate-able' but relatable character who reflects back on her life and interjects into the lives of a family vacationing. This book considers themes/feelings mothers have in their deepest darkest depressive state with small children. Theres a lot to unpack here, and I've not forced myself to do so. Too much and too hard. Glad that I listed to it though.
weirdly enjoyed this despite having such mixed feelings about the narrator. loved the writing and the unflinching expression of the complexity of motherhood and the self
When I began reading The Lost Daughter, I was confused that I recognized the plot and the characters, then realized I had already seen the movie adaptation with Maggie Gyllenhaal. I’d say the movie is pretty true to the novel, except that all of the characters in the book are Italian - Neapolitan.
I found it hard to empathize with Leda, a disturbed woman, who corrupts all potential relationships, even with her own daughters. I’m still uncertain how I’d like to interpret the ending…needless to say, I’m excited to continue my foray into Ferrante.
I found it hard to empathize with Leda, a disturbed woman, who corrupts all potential relationships, even with her own daughters. I’m still uncertain how I’d like to interpret the ending…needless to say, I’m excited to continue my foray into Ferrante.
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