Books Like...
"The Story of a New Name" is the second installment in Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels series, following the lives of childhood friends Lila and Elena as they navigate the complexities of their evolving friendship and individual paths. Set in Naples, the book delves into themes of competition, patriarchal dominance, education, and societal struggles, portraying the challenges of growing up female in a rigidly structured world. The narrative unfolds as Elena and Lila face diverging life choices, love interests, and personal growth, all while their intertwined destinies continue to intersect in unexpected ways, culminating in a major cliffhanger that propels the story forward.
The book is characterized by its immersive storytelling that captivates readers with its compelling plot twists and intricate character dynamics. Through Elena's narration, the reader is drawn into a world where personal ambitions clash with societal expectations, leading to profound reflections on friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of independence. As the lives of Elena and Lila unfold against the backdrop of 1960s Naples, the novel weaves a rich tapestry of emotional depth, vividly portraying the struggles and triumphs of two young women coming of age in a challenging and transformative era.
If you liked The Story of a New Name, here are the top 14 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Neapolitan Novels)
- #1
Save:Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg is a touching and poignant story about the deep bond of friendship between two women, Ruth and Ann. The narrative follows their journey as Ruth battles breast cancer, and Ann stands by her side along with a circle of supportive female friends. The story explores themes of love, loss, strength, and the power of female camaraderie, portraying the emotional complexities of facing mortality with grace and humor. Berg's writing style weaves together intimate moments, heartfelt conversations, and humorous anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
This morning, before I came to Ruth’s house, I made yet another casserole for my husband and my daughter. Meggie likes casseroles while Joe only endures them, but they are all I can manage right now. ... - #2
Save:'Rich and Pretty' by Rumaan Alam follows the lives of two women, Lauren and Sarah, as they navigate through their young adulthood, their friendship, and life milestones. The story explores their differing perspectives on marriage, children, and relationships, showcasing the complexities of their friendship that has evolved since they met at the age of eleven. While some readers found the plot to be realistic and well-done, others felt that the lack of a strong story arc and character development made the book forgettable.
“I mean, when is the last time I even saw you?” Sarah gestures around the restaurant, wineglass in hand like a scepter in a queen’s. The Gewürztraminer sloshes close to the rim of the paper-thin glass... - #3
Save:The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob is a family saga that follows the Eapen family, Indian immigrants living in the US, over the span of several decades. The story revolves around Amina, the daughter of Thomas and Kamala, as she navigates through family struggles, grief, and cultural identity. The narrative jumps between different time periods and settings, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the journey of self-discovery.
But what a calamity! An abomination! Divorced from the mother and the motherland in one fell swoop? Who could have seen such a thing coming? Certainly not Amina, who by age eleven was well versed enou... - #4
Save:'The Last Romantics' by Tara Conklin is a family drama that follows the lives of four siblings, starting from their childhood through to their adult years. The story delves into the complexities of their relationships, the challenges they face after the death of their father, and the impact of their mother's depression. Narrated by the youngest sibling, Fiona, who is a poet, the novel weaves together themes of love, loss, family dynamics, and personal growth. Set in both the present and the future, the book explores how the siblings navigate through life's trials and tribulations, ultimately finding strength and connection in their shared history.
In the spring of 1981, our father died. His name was Ellis Avery Skinner, thirty-four years old, a small bald lozenge at the back of his head that he covered every morning with a few hopeful strands. ... - #5
Save:The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende is a multigenerational love story that spans almost the entire twentieth century. The narrative shifts between past and present, exploring themes of love, secrets, and the impact of historical events such as World War II and Japanese internment camps. The book features complex characters like Alma, Ichimei, Irina, and Seth, each guarding their own secrets that eventually come to light, offering them redemption and connection.
When Irina Bazili began working at Lark House in 2010, she was twenty-three years old but already had few illusions about life. Since the age of fifteen she had drifted from one job, one town, to anot... - #6
Save:"The Days of Abandonment" by Elena Ferrante is a raw and unflinching novel about a woman named Olga whose husband abruptly leaves her for a younger woman, plunging her into a chaotic world of madness and despair. The book vividly portrays Olga's emotional breakdown, her struggle to cope with the sudden abandonment, and her journey towards self-reinvention amidst the turmoil of her shattered family life. Ferrante's writing style is intense and graphic, delving deep into the disturbed mind of the protagonist as she grapples with anger, self-doubt, and the challenges of single-handedly caring for her children.
One April afternoon, right after lunch, my husband announced that he wanted to leave me. He did it while we were clearing the table; the children were quarreling as usual in the next room, the dog was... - #7
Save:The Hours by Michael Cunningham is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of three women, Clarissa Vaughan, Laura Brown, and Virginia Woolf, as they navigate through different time periods and personal struggles. The book draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, exploring themes of depression, loneliness, and the complexity of human emotions. Cunningham's writing style is described as evocative, deeply sympathetic, and rich with subtext, creating a symphony of interconnected storylines that culminate in a profound and moving narrative.
She hurries from the house, wearing a coat too heavy for the weather. It is 1941. Another war has begun. She has left a note for Leonard, and another for Vanessa. She walks purposefully toward the riv... - #8
Save:'Sweet Bean Paste' by Durian Sukegawa is a heartwarming tale that follows Sentaro, a man working in a confectionary shop making dorayaki pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. His life takes an unexpected turn when an elderly woman named Tokue joins him at the shop, bringing with her a delicious bean paste recipe and a unique perspective on life. As their friendship blossoms, they both learn valuable lessons about redemption, friendship, and the beauty of everyday life. The book delves into themes of confinement, past traumas, and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life.
The writing style of 'Sweet Bean Paste' is described as evocative, spare, and poignant, with a simple yet profound narrative that explores deep cultural and philosophical themes. The story unfolds through the interactions between the characters, revealing layers of complexity and emotion as they navigate personal struggles, societal prejudices, and the power of human connection.
Sentaro stood over a hot griddle inside the Doraharu shop, as he did all day everyday, cooking pancakes for his dorayaki. Cherry Blossom Street was a run-down commercial strip in a depressed part of t... - #9
Save:In "Migrations" by Charlotte McConaghy, the story follows Franny Stone, a woman in a world devastated by climate change where most animals have become extinct. Franny is determined to track the migration of the last Arctic terns and convinces a fishing crew to join her on this journey. As the narrative unfolds, Franny's troubled past is slowly revealed, intertwining with her present quest to follow the terns on their epic migration. The novel skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, exploring themes of loss, environmental destruction, and the human connection to nature.
Franny's character is portrayed as complex and haunted by personal demons, leading her on a reckless yet captivating voyage to follow the Arctic terns. The writing style is described as beautiful, with a focus on nature writing and the climate crisis, creating a sense of urgency and poignancy throughout the novel. The story blends elements of adventure, mystery, and environmental themes, making it a timely and thought-provoking read that delves into the depths of human nature and the impact of our actions on the world around us.
Once, my husband found a colony of storm petrels on the rocky coast of the untamed Atlantic. The night he took me there, I didn’t know they were some of the last of their kind. I knew only that they w... - #10
Save:"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.
THE ELEVENTH APARTMENT had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and ...
