MyBrilliantFriend

Europa Editions 214 West 29th St., Suite 1003 New York NY 10001 info@europaeditions.com www.europaeditions.com This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Copyright © 2011 by Edizioni E/O First publication 2012 by Europa Editions Translation by Ann Goldstein Original Title: L’amica geniale Translation copyright © 2012 by Europa Editions All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Cover Art by Emanuele Ragnisco www.mekkanografici.com ISBN 9781609458638 Elena Ferrante MY BRILLIANT FRIEND Translated from the Italian by Ann Goldstein THE LORD: Therein thou’rt free, according to thy merits; The like of thee have never moved My hate. Of all the bold, denying Spirits, The waggish knave least trouble doth create. Man’s active nature, flagging, seeks too soon the level; Unqualified repose he learns to crave; Whence, willingly, the comrade him I gave, Who works, excites, and must create, as Devil. J. W. GOETHE, Faust, translation by Bayard Taylor INDEX OF CHARACTERS The Cerullo family (the shoe......