49 pages 1 hour read

Elena Ferrante

The Lost Daughter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante, 47-year-old English literature professor Leda takes a working holiday and becomes captivated by Nina, a young mother on the beach with her daughter Elena, which brings back memories of Leda’s own challenging motherhood. The novel explores themes of maternal ambivalence, identity, and class, culminating in Leda's struggle to face her past decisions. Includes abandonment trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Elena Ferrante's The Lost Daughter has been lauded for its intense exploration of motherhood and self-identity. Critics praise Ferrante's raw, evocative writing style and deep psychological insight. However, some find the protagonist's actions unsettling and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is considered a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lost Daughter?

Readers who relish introspective, psychological narratives and complex female protagonists will appreciate Elena Ferrante's The Lost Daughter. Fans of My Brilliant Friend and The Hours will find the exploration of motherhood, identity, and solitude equally compelling. This book suits those drawn to character-driven stories with profound emotional depth.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Gender / Feminism

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Italian Literature

Themes

Relationships: Mothers

Relationships: Family

Identity: Femininity