The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay & The Story of the Lost Child: The Complete BBC Radio Collection Audible Audiobook – Original recording

I loved the books and HBO series. It describes the hard times, poverty, ignorance and most of all how women were treated, undervalued in the 60/70’s in Southern Italy, and the bond between two best friends in contrast with their two different lives. I’m from northern Italy and I’m planning a trip to The South to observe if the culture has changed. I would love to explore the beautiful country side and Savor the wonderful Southern food.

I have not read the books so I don't know if the books themselves are a long angry rant or if this is just the way the audio has been produced, but it's not enjoyable. The story takes the reader through several decades of the characters' intertwined lives but lacks any uplifting message or untimate intrigue. Casting is odd with several characters, especially the children, having quite different accents to each other even though they are supposed to come from a small neighbourhood.