Geniální přítelkyně 2 - Příběh nového jména – Ferrante Elena (2020)

In the second volume of the tetralogy My Brilliant Friend by Italian author Elena Ferrante, the youth of two friends, Elena and Lila, is convincingly captured, along with the exploration of their own bodies and sexuality. This theme resonates with the historical backdrop of the story, set in the fabulous sixties when Italy seems to awaken to life, discovering fun, carefreeness, material wealth (or at least its illusion). The sexual revolution arrives, as do student and labor unrest, intensifying the clashes between the right and the left... The story of a new name captures the youth of both heroines and focuses on the discovery of their own sexuality, the pleasures and pains associated with it, as well as the difficult situation of 'brilliant,' free-spirited girls who yearn for love in a world of Neapolitan men, for whom love primarily means possession. This theme resonates with the historical backdrop of the story, set in the fabulous sixties when Italy, after years of fascism and war, finally awakens to life, economically develops, supports trade and entrepreneurship, but also ruthless predation, discovering fun and material wealth (or at least its illusion). The sexual revolution arrives, as do student and labor unrest, intensifying the clashes between the right and the left...