Re-Awakening the Author: The Hidden Identity of Elena Ferrante by Lukanyo Mbanga
Ever heard of the “Ferrante Fever?” Well, If you’re a romantic literary voyager who seeks the simple and profound, the calm and the turbulent, what’s forthright and what’s only said in the undertones — this fever is almost inescapable and practically incurable. The David Krut Bookstore have just stocked a stunning collection of the Italian writer, Elena Ferrante’s novels. From the the first three novellas of her infamous Neapolitan quartet to the Lying Life of Adults translated by Ann Goldstein, we have ink and paper treasure chests waiting to be opened!
Our special bookstore holds the turning points of Ferrante’s career. The first is her second novel, published in Italy, 2006, The Days of Abandonment. It was at this moment where hearts of many Italians were already captured and Ferrante’s publisher new there was a larger audience for her.
The next turning point was in 2012, the first English publication of My Brilliant Friend. This began the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, living in an impoverished neighborhood in Naples, spanning their lives over 6 years as a quartet of novellas. These novels are known to many as a masterpiece.
There is something particularly brilliant about Ferrante’s combination of control and abandon in her novels.
– The Guardian
The Guardian encapsulates Elana Ferrante’s writing superbly. Natural, uncontrived yet still so poised and intentional. Within just a few pages you’re falling into her world as effortlessly as falling asleep to the sound of waves or a slow sonata.
I believe that books, once they are written, have no need of their authors. If they have something to say, they will soon find readers; if not, they won’t.”
-Elena Ferrante
Who is Elena Ferrante? The name, Elena Ferrante is actually a pseudonym and her identity has remained quite the mystery. We can’t pretend this doesn’t add to her allure. It’s a sweet irony to the purpose of this blog series. It brings back the enduring question amongst many literature heads: Does the author really matter once the story is written? In other words, is the author really awake anymore? Frankly, I don’t think it matters who she is, where she lives, when she was born. She lets the writing tell us who she is, with a voice so distinctly hers and so distinctly free.