April Book Club: "My Brilliant Friend" & "The Story Of a New Name"

Happy April, friends! This month's H&D Book Club pick is a two-fer—we're going to be stuck inside for at least another month, so there's no time like the present to double-down on your reading or audiobooks. This month we're reading two books from Italian author Elena Ferrante's quartet of Neapolitan novels: “My Brilliant Friend" (book one) and "The Story of a New Name" (book two). HBO released a beautiful series based on the first book in 2018, and they recently launched the second season which follows book two, so it's the perfect time to dive in and read before watching.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Naples, Italy in the 1950s, the coming-of-age tale follows the 60-year friendship of "the brilliant and bookish Elena Greco and the fiery, rebellious Lila Cerullo." The story of love and loss, friendship and betrayal, and poverty and wealth is captivating, and the pages will transport you to the gritty city of Naples, the dreamy island of Ischia, and beyond—it’s the perfect escape while self-isolating, and the next best thing to traveling this spring.

Join us at the end of the month for a virtual book club on Instagram Live to chat about the books, the HBO series, and all things Italy! We’ll also be sharing ways to donate and help the people of Italy affected by Covid-19. We hope to see you there!