Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (Storia di chi fugge e di chi resta) is the third book in Elena Ferrante’sNeapolitan Novels, a critically acclaimed series that follows the lifelong friendship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo in post-war Naples. This installment captures the turbulent years of the 1970s, as both women navigate adulthood, motherhood, and political upheaval in Italy.

Elena, now a successful writer, grapples with marriage, career ambitions, and intellectual circles, while Lila faces harsh working conditions and personal struggles in a changing Naples. The novel delves into class, feminism, ambition, and the sacrifices women make, offering a deeply moving and politically charged narrative.

Why Read This Book

• A gripping continuation of Ferrante’s powerful saga of female friendship and self-discovery.
• Provides rich historical and political context, capturing the shifting landscape of Italy in the 1970s.
• Ferrante’s characters are realistic, flawed, and deeply compelling, making them unforgettable.
• A raw, honest portrayal of female ambition, love, and societal expectations.
• A must-read for those invested in Elena and Lila’s journey, as well as for fans of literature that explores women’s inner lives with unflinching honesty.

About the Author

Elena Ferrante is one of Italy’s most celebrated contemporary novelists, known for her deeply psychological and emotionally raw storytelling. Despite her global literary success, Ferrante has maintained a mysterious identity, choosing to remain anonymous and letting her work speak for itself.

She gained international recognition with The Neapolitan Novels, a four-book series that begins with My Brilliant Friend, chronicling the lifelong friendship and struggles of two women in post-war Naples. Her other acclaimed works include Troubling Love, The Days of Abandonment, and The Lying Life of Adults, all of which explore themes of female identity, class struggle, family dynamics, and societal expectations.