The Lying Life of Adults Summary
Elena Ferrante

The Lying Life of Adults Overview

Elena Ferrante's novel The Lying Life of Adults is a first person narrative tracing teenager Giovanna's journey from adolescence into adulthood. After Giovanna meets her enigmatic and vulgar Aunt Vittoria, she becomes enthralled, and begins using her new relationship as an act of defiance against her parents. When Vittoria betrays her trust, Giovanna tries returning to her former self. Learning of her parents' lies and infidelity, however, threatens Giovanna's understanding of her world yet again, and Giovanna must decide who she wants to be on her own. The novel explores themes including love, adulthood, and beauty.