Spring Elective: The Story of a New Name

This course will examine the second novel in Elena Ferrante’s masterful “Neapolitan Series,” The Story of a New Name, a book reviewers have called “brilliant,” “hypnotic,” and “powerful.” This novel continues the story of Lenu and Lila as they enter adulthood and seek control over their intellectual, economic, and personal lives. Much like last year’s course on My Brilliant Friend, we will explore questions about writing and power, family dynamics, gender, sexual violence, class, the portrayal of mid-century Italy, the dynamics of female friendship, and more. Some critics have called this book the best of the series; we look forward to analyzing this story together!

NOTE: Students must have either taken last year’s Ferrante elective, or read My Brilliant Friend on their own, before enrolling in this class.