The Days of Abandonment

by Elena Ferrante

Book Overview

From the New York Times-bestselling author of My Brilliant Friend, this novel of a deserted wife's descent into despair--and rage--is "a masterpiece" (The Philadelphia Inquirer).

The Days of Abandonment is the gripping story of an Italian woman's experiences after being suddenly left by her husband after fifteen years of marriage. With two young children to care for, Olga finds it more and more difficult...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933372001
• ISBN13: 9781933372006
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Europa Editions
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Days Of Abandonment

Thank For Sending My Book Is Very Good Condition And Shipment Time Was Great Didn't Take Only A Few Days Thanks Again, Darla Arreola Sacramento , Calif

A harrowing tale of dementia

"The Days of Abandonment" begins with Mario walking out on Olga, his wife of fifteen years, and their two children. It's an act which devastates Olga, who narrates this account of her 'days of abandonment.' At first the absurdity of the situation is something to preoccupy her, the question of 'Why?' It's not the first time that Mario has been tempted to leave Olga but this time there is another woman, and it's not quite as out of nowhere as she had first thought. "The Days of Abandonment" is a detailed, personal account of Olga's now shattered life. Her mind wanders, she snaps at her children and at the people she encounters and her life becomes a mess. The author uses a number of devices, such as the difficulty of establishing communication but the story is presented convincingly: it reads as thoroughly authentic. "The Days of Abandonment" is harrowing because Olga is not a very good mother, she does not act very nicely to almost anyone she deals with. In particular, the ups and downs Olga experiences show that the author has a sound knowledge of the human psyche.

Heartbreaking and Compelling

This book is amazing. I felt the pain of Olga in the book; Elena Ferrante does an amazing job of portraying the feelings of abandonment. Very intense and emotional, be prepared and enjoy.

Days of Loneliness In Italy

This is a remarkable novel about the abandonment of an Italian wife by her cad of a husband. The translation reads so smoothly that the reader would not be aware that the book originated in Italy. A quick read at less than 200 pages, "The Days Of Abandonment" is for anyone who suffers an unexpected rejection from a long-time lover or spouse. The novel is accurate in tracing the major depression that Olga undergoes and comes through with agonizing pain and not always with grace. But she does come through it. The universality of abandonment is the same whether the reader is in Italy or America or anywhere else.