Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay cover art

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

The Neapolitan Novels, Book 3

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Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

By: Elena Ferrante
Narrated by: Hillary Huber
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About this listen

In the third book in the New York Times bestselling Neapolitan quartet that inspired the HBO series My Brilliant Friend, Elena and Lila have grown into womanhood.

Lila married at sixteen and has a young son; she has left her husband and the comforts her marriage brought and now works as a common laborer. Elena has left the neighborhood, earned her college degree, and published a successful novel, all of which has opened the doors to a world of learned interlocutors and richly furnished salons.

Both women are pushing against the walls of a prison that would have seen them living a life of misery, ignorance, and submission. They are afloat on the great sea of opportunities that opened up for women during the 1970s. And yet, they are still very much bound to each other in a book that “shows off Ferrante’s strong storytelling ability and will leave readers eager for the final volume of the series” (Library Journal).

©2015 Elena Ferrante (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Marriage
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What listeners say about Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Could barely stop listening.

Incredible story. Wonderful writing. Excellent narration. Can't wait to begin the fourth and final part of this captivating quartet.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The most captivating series.

Have barely been able to stop listening to these novels. Disagree with a lot of reviews about the narration - I think it’s wonderful!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love the series…. But

Another great story in the series, I do however agree with the comments that the reading sounded very robotic and was quite distracting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

my favourite series by far

The story of Lina and Elena is one of the best I have ever read. thoroughly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Life and love in postwar Naples

What did you like most about Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay?

The novel explores deep into the character of the main protagonists. Set in postwar Naples, the story is also rooted in the class conflict that is carried forward as Italy emerges from the fascist era, and the author portrays this cleverly and with much truth, I find. The story is also very well read by Hillary Huber, subtly changing her voice and delivery to distinguish the different characters and their moods.

What other book might you compare Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay to, and why?

It compares with other family and personal sagas, set in a well defined historical period. What distinguishes it is the emotional subtlety and depth which is not always present in this type of novel.

Which character – as performed by Hillary Huber – was your favourite?

I did not have a favorite character, each are presented with their qualities and their flaws, strengths and sometimes dreadful failings.

Any additional comments?

Compulsive listening!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book and narration

Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Fascinating story with an excellent narration, can't wait to listen or read the 4th book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Even better than the first two volumes

Ferrante writes in a simple direct style. This book tackles the politics of the Seventies and the role and struggle of women. It is about marriage and children and she writes frankly and honestly about both. One of the few books I have read where a mother, a good mother too, puts her own happiness above that of the children, and knowingly acts in a way that will hurt them. Ferrante characters go on their varied journeys, their lives crisscrossing over the years for good and bad. A gripping novel x

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superb!

After watching series 1& 2 on Sky Atlantic I couldn't wait for the next series. It was difficult to follow at times with all the characters but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The nareation was clear and easy to hear every word

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Drawn into this story

Once you start listening to The Neapolitan Novels you just can't stop. For me, this one was not as good as the second, but still very good.

As for the audiobook, I felt like the narrator exaggerated with the harsh tones in some of the personalities' voices, which gives it a nuanced interpretation. Also, I wish she learned the right Italian pronunciation for some of the places, the way she pronounced Capri really annoyed me! Other than that, I really enjoy listening to this story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another 5*

Probably didn’t captivate me as much as the first two but already planning on downloading the 4th! Such a great writer.

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