"My Brilliant Friend" is a novel by Elena Ferrante that explores the complex friendship between two girls, Elena Greco and Raffaella Cerullo, growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy. The story spans several decades, highlighting their struggles, ambitions, and the societal challenges they face as they navigate their lives. The book is the first in the Neapolitan Novels series, which delves into themes of identity, female friendship, and the impact of social class. As the characters evolve, their bond deepens, revealing both the beauty and the difficulties of their relationship against the backdrop of a changing Italy.