The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

It follows Giovanna, a teenager whose life is upended when she overhears her father comparing her appearance to that of his estranged sister, Vittoria. This remark propels Giovanna into a journey of self-discovery as she seeks out her aunt and uncovers family secrets. The novel delves into themes of identity, the complexities of adolescence, and the often hidden truths within families. Ferrante's narrative explores the dualities of Naples' social landscape, contrasting the refined upper-class world with the raw, passionate life of the lower city. Through Giovanna's eyes, readers experience the disillusionment that comes with growing up and the realization that adults, too, lead lives filled with contradictions and deceptions.