Mate Booguy’s Reviews > Lies and Sorcery > Status Update

A third read, a third enjoyed. Morante’s complex language and grammar are so stimulating; but, man, do my attention and mental focus have to be sharp!

At the threshold of the closing section of Part 2, I’m eager to see how it ends and what Part 3 brings. I enjoyed the novel from the start, but subtle doubts lingered after Part 1. Those are gone now. Part 2 has been deeply rewarding: the writing remains excellent, the pacing engaging, and the characters’ dark psychologies have pulled me in completely—not to mention there have been some very quotable lines/passages.

Part 1 done. This is very distinct from what I’ve read recently—it's certainly that Italian soap opera the NYT called it. I never would have found myself enjoying soapy novels, but Morante’s prose—beautifully translated—is mesmerizing; spellbinding. Elisa’s narration is pompous and excessive, yet in a fittingly great way that fuels my interest. Her elegant narration makes even the most disliked characters attractive.

Elisa’s narration/voice remains fascinating and captivating. The emerging family history is dark and fantastic—already teeming with neuroses verging on psychosis, even with just three key figures introduced. I’m still hooked: the familial craziness, those tender yet pitiful intergenerational moments between Anna (Elisa’s mother) and Teodoro (grandfather), and my frequent reach for a dictionary keep the pages turning.

Elisa’s narration/voice remains fascinating and captivating. The emerging family history is dark and fantastic—already teeming with neuroses verging on psychosis, even with just three key figures introduced. I’m still hooked: the familial craziness, those tender yet pitiful intergenerational moments between Elisa and her grandfather by marriage, and the constant reach for a dictionary all keep the pages turning.