“The Story of a New Name” is the second season of the TV series “My Brilliant Friend” and also the second installment of the novel series “The Neapolitan Novels.”
I watched one episode of the TV series before reading the corresponding section of the book. The adaptation remains largely faithful to the original work, though it omits certain details or rearranges some sequences. Reading the book afterward provides deeper insight into scenes or inner thoughts not depicted on screen.
Having watched Season 1 and read the first novel a year prior, my initial impression was that intellectual prowess alone cannot alter the fate of the impoverished. By Season 2 and the second novel, I gained deeper insight into the characters' destinies. For the underprivileged to change their fortunes, they require not only intellect, education, and personal effort, but also the convergence of favorable circumstances, timing, and human connections. Leveraging every available resource to elevate their social standing often demands significant sacrifice.
The divergence in fate between these two childhood friends becomes starker in young adulthood. Though Elena lacks Lila's intellect and possesses a less resilient, competitive spirit—even exhibiting some self-doubt—she compensates with high emotional intelligence. She excels at maintaining positive relationships with diverse people, adeptly leveraging others' support. When opportunities arise, she seizes them decisively, even if it means acting against her instincts. Lila, however, was more idealistic. She was willing to pay any price for her inner goals, refusing to compromise or retreat even when faced with setbacks. While such a personality might lead to great success in privileged circles, it often resulted in constant obstacles and poor relationships with most people in disadvantaged backgrounds. Seeing Lila toil at the salami factory was truly heartbreaking; she deserved a better place to unleash her talents.
This book and TV series depict not only the destinies of two individuals but also serve as a microcosm of Italy's transformation during the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, Italy was marked by stark wealth disparities, male dominance, and frequent violence. As the era progressed, women's rising educational attainment spurred rapid self-awareness. They began asserting their rights and elevating their status, a movement that simultaneously fueled Italy's subsequent rapid development.