Where to start with Elena Ferrante
Begin with L'amica geniale, the first book in the Neapolitan Novels series, which introduces the lifelong friendship between Elena and Lila, set against the backdrop of postwar Naples. Read the series in publication order: L'amica geniale, Storia del nuovo cognome, Storia della bambina che rovinò, and Storia della figlia promessa. This sequence follows the evolution of the two women from childhood through adulthood, exploring their complex bond and personal growth. After completing the Neapolitan Novels, read The Days of Abandonment and The Lying Life of Adults, both published in 2021. These standalone novels offer distinct perspectives on identity, family, and transformation, reflecting themes present in the earlier series.
Series by Elena Ferrante
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Buy on Amazon2011 · Elena Ferrante
Care lettrici, cari lettori, provate a leggere questo libro e vorrete che non finisca mai. Elena Ferrante torna con un romanzo che racconta…
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Buy on Amazon2012 · Elena Ferrante
Lila and Elena, now in their twenties, navigate the challenges of adulthood. Lila feels trapped by marriage, while Elena continues to search for her…
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Buy on AmazonThose Who Leave and Those Who Stay
2013 · Elena Ferrante
Lenu and Lila, born in 1944 in a poor Naples neighborhood, take different paths: Lila marries young to the wealthiest man in the neighborhood but…
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Buy on Amazon2014 · Elena Ferrante
The final volume of Elena Ferrante's bestselling series, which begins with My Brilliant Friend, includes The Story of a New Name and The Story of the…
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Standalone books
Frequently asked questions
How many books has Elena Ferrante written?
We list 7 books by Elena Ferrante across 1 series, published between 2011–2021 — each shown in full reading order.
What order should I read Elena Ferrante's books?
Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “L'amica geniale.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.
Where can I buy Elena Ferrante's books?
Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.