THE LYING LIFE OF ADULTS by Elena Ferrante SOON ON NETFLIX

Elena Ferrante’s novel The Lying Life of Adults has been adapted into a six-part television series, produced by Fandango, which will launch globally on Netflix on 4 January 2023.

The series is directed by Edoardo De Angelis. Valeria Golino takes the role of Vittoria, with newcomer Giordana Marengo as Giovanna. Alessandro Preziosi, known for Medici, plays Giovanna’s father, Andrea, and Pina Turco, who appeared in Gomorrah, plays her mother, Nella. The screenplay was written by Elena Ferrante, Laura Paolucci, Francesco Piccolo and Edoardo De Angelis.

Set in 1990s Naples, the story follows Giovanna as she moves from childhood into adolescence. Her changing face unsettles her — she sees an ugly, spiteful teenager looking back. Unsure whether her perception can be trusted, she sets out to find a truer reflection and a life she can call her own.

Her search draws her between two parts of the city that regard each other with fear and contempt: the Naples of the heights, which wears a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a world of excess and vulgarity. Giovanna drifts between them, sinking into one and climbing back towards the other.

The novel, translated by Ann Goldstein, was published in Italy by Edizioni E/O on 7 November 2019 and in the UK and US on 1 September 2020. It has since appeared in 37 countries.