Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, the first book in her Neapolitan Novels series, is deeply rooted in the rich setting of Naples, Italy. The narrative follows the lives of two childhood friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Naples during the 1950s. The locations in the novel are essential to its atmosphere and themes, as they ground the emotional and societal struggles of the characters. These real places have since become destinations for fans of Ferrante’s work who wish to immerse themselves in the world of the novel.
The Rione Luzzatti Neighborhood
The heart of My Brilliant Friend is the fictional neighborhood of the Rione, inspired by the real-life Rione Luzzatti, located on the outskirts of Naples. This area, though somewhat transformed today, represents the close-knit yet suffocating environment in which Elena and Lila grew up. The Rione Luzzatti is a modest, working-class district that echoes the social challenges of post-war Italy—poverty, gender roles, and education—as depicted in Ferrante’s novels. Visitors to Naples can walk through the neighborhood and observe its characteristic narrow streets, apartment buildings, and open courtyards where much of the novel’s action unfolds
Piazza dei Martiri
As the characters grow older, the narrative takes them beyond the confines of the Rione into more affluent parts of Naples. One notable location is Piazza dei Martiri, a prestigious square in the Chiaia district of Naples. This square represents a contrast to the protagonists’ humble origins and reflects the socio-economic disparities that are central to the novel’s themes. Elena, in particular, experiences the wealth and sophistication of this part of the city as she attends school and begins to explore a life outside the Rione
Via Caracciolo and Mergellina
Ferrante’s descriptions of Naples often emphasize the contrast between the chaotic energy of the inner city and the serene beauty of the coast. Via Caracciolo, the long promenade that runs along the Gulf of Naples, and the nearby Mergellina district provide some of the novel’s most picturesque settings. This coastal stretch offers stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, which serve as a backdrop to the characters’ personal reflections and changing relationships. The promenade is symbolic of Elena’s dreams and desires for a life beyond the limitations of her upbringing
Ischia
A key location in My Brilliant Friend is the island of Ischia, where Elena spends time on vacation with her family and later with Nino, an important figure in her life. Ischia, with its crystal-clear waters and thermal baths, provides a temporary escape from the constraints of Naples and the Rione. It is here that Elena begins to confront her feelings of inadequacy and longing for intellectual and romantic fulfillment. Today, Ischia remains a popular destination for tourists who are drawn to its natural beauty and connection to Ferrante’s novel
Naples National Library
Another significant location in the novel is the Naples National Library, situated in the Palazzo Reale. For Elena, the library becomes a symbol of knowledge, escape, and her aspirations to break free from the limitations of her background. The library, with its grandeur and wealth of information, contrasts sharply with the Rione, representing the larger world of opportunities that Elena craves. Visitors to Naples can explore the library and reflect on the important role education plays in Elena’s journey
The Luzzatti Train Station
The Luzzatti Train Station, which is close to the Rione, symbolizes both physical and metaphorical departure in the novel. The station serves as a gateway to the outside world for Elena, offering the possibility of new beginnings. However, it also underscores the deep divide between those who can leave and those who remain trapped in the cycle of poverty and tradition. Fans of the novel visiting Naples can stop by the station and reflect on the pivotal moments of departure that mark the protagonists’ development
Visiting Naples Through Ferrante’s Lens
To truly experience the world of My Brilliant Friend, visitors to Naples can embark on tours designed to trace the locations of the novel. Walking through these areas, from the gritty Rione Luzzatti to the serene promenades of Via Caracciolo, offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal influences that shape the lives of Ferrante’s characters. The contrasts between the working-class neighborhoods and the more affluent districts highlight the novel’s exploration of class, identity, and the quest for self-fulfillment.
Whether you are a fan of Ferrante’s work or simply interested in discovering the authentic side of Naples, visiting these locations provides a unique opportunity to see the city through the eyes of the novel’s characters and connect with the timeless themes of friendship, ambition, and the desire for a better life.