Through the Eyes of Elena Ferrante, Part 2: A Look at Italy with a Historian

Experience the history of modern Italy from a Southern Italian perspective, inspired by the Neapolitan Novels
US$27
Preview Lecture
US$27
Watch on your schedule, you will receive a link to watch the lecture online immedately upon purchase.
Duration
1 hour
Product Type
Lecture
Lecture Details
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Lecture Description
Elena Ferrante (a pseudonymous Italian novelist) has taken the literary world by storm in more recent years, exposing stories of the female experience in postwar Italy up until today. Her depictions of friendship, violence, love, poverty, and determination have resounded among millions of readers. Join an expert in this field on a virtual journey across Italy – inspired by Elena Ferrante's characters.
Meet Your Expert
Danielle

Danielle Oteri is an expert on art and architecture in Southern Italy. She was a Lecturer at the Met Cloisters and Program Director of the International Center of Medieval Art. Danielle has written about art, history, food, and travel for Conde Nast Traveler, Gothamist, NPR, The Paris Review, and Roads & Kingdoms. She founded Feast Travel, Arthur Avenue Food Tours, and Cilento Food Tours.

This discussion will explore the major events in Italian history featured in the books of Elena Ferrante, and make the case that the Neapolitan Novels are a history of modern Italy told from a Southern Italian perspective. We begin with a study of the nation's postwar reconstruction, the rise of the Camorra, the Years of Lead, and conclude with the Irpinia Earthquake.

Danielle Oteri is herself the author of Ferrante Fever: A Naples Guidebook Inspired by Elena Ferrante and is a true expert on this subject, along with other aspects of Naples and Southern Italy. This interactive seminar will focus on details from Ferrante’s catalog that would be unfamiliar to non-Italian readers. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of how Italy is its own character that shapes the expectations and outcomes of Ferrante’s acclaimed novels.
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Our recorded lectures typically run for 60 minutes.

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Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
(5.0) 9 Reviews

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Excellent presentation with great insi
This was an excellent talk about the historical context surrounding the Neapolitan Novels. It was great for a non italian and someone who does not know italian history in depth as it explained a number of things which helped put the story and characters in a different perspective. Daniella is an engaging and enjoyable host to listen to as well.
Excellent insights into the roll of the mafia