Episode 1
A story about a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Growing up in a poor Naples in the 50s, Elena and Lila learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone, or anything, else.
From one of Italy's most acclaimed authors, My Brilliant Friend is the first in a quartet of books entitled The Neapolitan Novels. They are a forensic exploration of friendship between Lila and the story's narrator, Lena. This is no normal friendship, it's a friendship that loves, hurts, supports and destroys - and yet it is one that lasts a lifetime.
It begins in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets two girls, Elena and Lila, learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone - or anything - else as their friendship, beautifully and meticulously rendered, becomes a not always perfect shelter from hardship.
It is the story of a nation, of a neighbourhood, a city and a country undergoing momentous change.
This first book centres on their childhood and adolescence.
From the book by Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldstein.
Dramatised by Timberlake Wertenbaker
Directed by Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Lena | Monica Dolan |
| Lila | Anastasia Hille |
| Lila (child) | Grace Wingate |
| Lila (adolescent) | Chloe Harris |
| Lena (child) | Elisabeth McEvilly |
| Lena (adolescent) | Daisy Tompkinson |
| Author | Elena Ferrante |
| Translation | Ann Goldstein |
| Adaptor | Timberlake Wertenbaker |
| Director | Celia de Wolff |
Broadcasts
- Sun 31 Jul 2016 15:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sat 26 Aug 2017 14:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
Six Iconic Women of the Arts in Italy
Celebrating the most talented creative women in Italy's history.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
The Shakespeare Sessions
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world