[1] The novel, translated into English by Ann Goldstein in 2012, explores themes of female friendship, social class, and personal identity against the backdrop of post-war Naples.

[2] Set primarily in a working-class neighborhood of Naples during the 1950s, My Brilliant Friend chronicles the complex friendship between Elena Greco (called Lenù) and Raffaella Cerullo (known as Lila).

[3] The narrative follows Elena and Lila from age six to sixteen, detailing their intellectual rivalry, navigating the neighborhood's complex social dynamics, and diverging paths as they approach adulthood.

"[4] The author's decision to keep her true identity secret has sparked much discussion in literary circles, with some critics arguing that this anonymity allows readers to focus solely on the text.

My Brilliant Friend received widespread acclaim upon its release, with critics praising Ferrante's vivid portrayal of female friendship and post-war Italian society.

"[5] In a review for The New York Times, Rachel Donadio described the novel as "a large, captivating, amiably peopled bildungsroman," praising Ferrante's ability to create a "powerful, unsentimental portrait of a friendship.

[10] My Brilliant Friend has significantly impacted contemporary literature, reinvigorating interest in Italian fiction and sparking discussions about female authorship and identity.

[12] Ferrante's decision to remain anonymous has also sparked discussions about authorship and celebrity in the literary world, challenging traditional notions of the author's role in promoting and interpreting their work.

[13] The success of My Brilliant Friend and the subsequent novels in the Neapolitan series has established Ferrante as one of the most significant literary voices of the 21st century, with her work continuing to inspire both readers and writers worldwide.