The Lying Life of Adults is a teen coming-of-age drama that furrows into many topics and themes, all to bring alive an epic action thriller. Spiced with family drama and teenage angst, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece. In 2019, the Italian author Elena Ferrante first published Lying Life of Adults; an English translation was released in 2020. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the series debuted at number two on The New York Times best-selling fiction list and has all the trappings of a modern-day classic drama.
Lying Life of Adults is best suited for keen thriller readers. Still, the combination of discovery, teenage problems, and mysterious family secrets will make it enjoyable for a person who likes reading dramas or coming-of-age books.
The story is set in Naples during the early 1990s through the eyes of Giovanna Trada, a 12-year-old Italian girl. Already dealing with the difficulties and anxieties in her teenage years, she overhears her parents liken her to her aunt, Vittoria, the bad sheep of the family. Shocked, this prompts Giovanna to leave and look for her estranged aunt, travelling across Naples to uncover secrets about her family and seek self-acceptance.
Stepping into the shoes of the 12-year-old protagonist, the story explores her doubts and fears as she tries to find herself in an ever-changing world. The story is full of surprises, and the masterful narrative will have readers captivated from the very beginning. With moments of pure joy and darker points that will play your heartstrings, this story guarantees to move readers, as well as bring up lots of provoking questions and thoughts.
Elena Ferrante weaves a remarkable story by capturing different sentiments, fears, and feelings, all of which test young Giovanna among the darker of the topics that are imposed in the book, Giovanna battles against low self-esteem, loneliness and a crippling lack of confidence.
The book also delves into her sexuality and concerns about intimacy, bridging the gap between childhood and womanhood. Thus, embarking on her journey and going against her introspective nature, Giovanna seeks new freedom in rebelling against her childhood principles and pushing her boundaries to find her place in the world.
The Lying Life of Adults is not specifically targeted towards young women or girls. The story and its themes will captivate any reader who picks up this well-crafted novel. Teenage readers can resonate with the themes in the book, and for older readers, it will no doubt evoke memories of challenging years growing up. Anyone who enjoys a good thriller or drama will find great pleasure in reading The Lying Life of Adults.
