The Neapolitan Novels Boxed Set

Haunting, mesmerising, engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable to read. Is it fiction? A roman-à-clef? It's impossible to know and equally impossible to put down. I read all four books in three weeks and now I am bereft, still wanting more. It is likely many female readers will see themselves in both of the main protagonists. The Naples of mid-20th century will be unknown to most, but so thoroughly drawn one feels they are living it in these pages.

I bought this set of four books at the beginning of lockdown as it had been a long time since I had found an author or series of books to keep me engaged and entertained and this series came highly recommended. It was probably the best decision I have ever made. The books are enthralling and compelling, with wonderfully believable characters and portrayal of a working class community in late 20th century Naples. The story lines are honest and authentic and keep you going back to follow the lives of these extraordinary yet ordinary people. I felt a bit bereft when I finished the fourth book and will check out other novels by the author.

Every sentence is a delight in constructing an overarching masterpiece that resonates and illuminates with experiences across the spanse of life.

I would definitely recommend this set of books, you will not be disappointed. It is difficult to say which part I enjoyed the most. If pushed I’d say the days from high school to the publishing of the first book.

Fantastic stories. Very well written. Found that the first book jumps around a lot but 2-4 much easier. Well worth persevering. Cant wait to start them all over again!

Fantastic. Amazing storytelling. Keeps you breathless.

I struggled at times to get through these books. I found the two main characters unconvincing. It has it's moments but it's quite disappointing.

The stories emphasise the vagaries of friendships we have all built up over our lifetimes. The stories speak volumes about our friendships during our lifetimes