Giovanna's pretty face has changed: it's turning into the face of an ugly, spiteful adolescent. But is she seeing things as they really are? Where must she look to find her true reflection and a life she can claim as her own?
Giovanna's search leads her to two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity. Adrift, she vacillates between these two cities, falling into one then climbing back to the other.
Set in a divided Naples, The Lying Life of Adults is a singular portrayal of the transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.
A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
SOON TO FEATURE ON BBC 2'S BETWEEN THE COVERS WITH SARA COX
This is no amiable coming-of-age tale... the most intense writing about the experiences and interior life of a girl on the cusp of adulthood that I have ever read. It is brilliant.-The Financial Times
An astonishing, deeply moving tale.-The Guardian
Ferrante confronts female sexual awakening with such an absence of romantic enchantment it leaves you gasping.-The Daily Mail
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
Brilliant as always.-Jan on Amazon
A tightly crafted and gripping story.-Maxwell on Goodreads
Excellent book. My only complaint was that it ended too soon!-Mhairi on Amazon
I woke up eagerly looking forward to reading more of this novel every single day.-Violet on Goodreads
Fans of Elena Ferrante will not be disappointed.-Lesley on Amazon
