My Brilliant Friend -- Elena Ferrante

I have read so much about this quartet of novels that I had some trepidation, but I was swept up and am wondering whether to forge ahead with the second novel.

These folks are not like me, but there is a humanity in the story that brings you in close to the characters. As you go along, Lila is known for her brilliance and then the focus shifts to her equally brilliant friend, Elena. There is such a strong feeling of starting out in the world, it almost took my breath away. Ferrante has the lead until you are sure the wedding is the end of this part of the story, and the party of the year. You are primed to go on.