The New Cover of Ferrante’s Neapolitan Series: An Aesthetic Misstep?
Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photo: Courtesy of the publisher
## Unpacking the Controversy Around Elena Ferrante’s New Cover
The **recently unveiled all-in-one edition** of Elena Ferrante’s **Neapolitan quartet** has sent ripples through literary circles. Is it the **overwhelming collage** of fonts, the **airbrushed Gulf of Naples**, or perhaps the **jam-packed opening sentences** of *My Brilliant Friend* that are causing such uproar? Whatever it is, reactions have erupted across social media platforms, from indignant tweets to spirited discussions in private channels.
### The Design Dilemma: A Step Backward?
Critics are not holding back when calling the new design **ugly**—and not in an endearing way. Reflecting on the former covers by **Europa Editions**, we have to admit they were indeed **iconically ugly**. The original cover of *My Brilliant Friend*, with its depiction of a bride, groom, and three girls, failed to capture the essence of the narrative. Instead, it conveyed a **soft, princess-like aesthetic** that raised more questions than it answered. Most notably, when faced with those five characters, one can’t help but wonder, *Who is the titular brilliant friend?*
The **current trend in book design** seems to prioritize aesthetic appeal that can easily be shared online. Unfortunately, the result often leads to **huge fonts**, flashy colors, and questionable gimmicks like **sprayed edges**. In an age where even a book’s cover must attract likes, the **hasty design choices** shine through. As trends come and go, we can’t help but appreciate the **charm of a truly garish cover**, and this presents a stark contrast to the new iteration.
### A Case of Overexposure: New vs. Old Covers
The original Neapolitan quartet, with its **simple, pulpy designs**, lured readers in with **intrigue**. The ambiguous imagery sparked curiosity, hinting that **anything could happen** within the pages. In contrast, the new *My Brilliant Friend* cover feels **too revealing**. Featuring key characters like Lila and Don Achille, it leaves little to the imagination. Shouldn’t a cover serve as a **gateway to mystery** rather than a spoiler?
### The Quest for Chic: Are We Losing Depth?
Chic book covers are often minimalist, adorned with **squiggles and abstract designs** rather than photo-realistic depictions that make a reader feel like they are staring at a **bad tattoo** or a **cliché Hallmark poster**. Ferrante’s novels have always encouraged readers to ponder the contrasts between the text and the cover art. The original covers skillfully managed to exist somewhere between **deriving from the text** and feeling **utterly unrelated**, resulting in a memorable aesthetic that resonates with readers.
### The Pull Quotes: Can They Save It?
The new cover includes several accolades, one from **The New Yorker** stating it is a “**large, captivating, amiably peopled bildungsroman**.” However, while this analysis may ring true, it’s hardly the **hook** to draw in new readers. This complexity underscores the essence of Ferrante’s work—one that is almost impossible to define succinctly. Genuine engagement with the narrative requires commitment, and a cover should invite readers in, not confuse them with lofty descriptors.
### Simplicity is Key: Lessons from the Past
Consider the success of **classic Penguin editions**, featuring little beyond the title and an iconic logo. Such designs maintain a **clean and approachable aesthetic**, which has been well-received in recent years. The new Ferrante cover seems close to this ideal—blue tones and a bold font—but remains bogged down by the clutter of initial sentences. True fans of Ferrante would relish a straightforward design, not overwhelmed by unnecessary embellishments.
## Conclusion: The Future of Ferrante’s Covers
So, where does the new cover of *My Brilliant Friend* go wrong? It sacrifices depth for **flashy aesthetics**, forgetting that in the world of literature, readers yearn for **intrigue, simplicity, and a touch of elegance**. If we reflect on what truly captivates an audience, perhaps we should lean into the **wonder of ambiguity** rather than a boring reveal.
Ultimately, a cover should encapsulate all the emotions and complexities that Ferrante’s storytelling embodies—without drowning in **superfluous design choices**. With careful consideration, perhaps the next time we see a Ferrante cover, we’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: **artistry and authenticity**.
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