I hate to say it but this is my first Elena Ferrante novel. Troubling Love was published in 2006 well before her acclaimed novel, My Brilliant Friend.

Troubling Love is a short novel about the relationship between mother and daughter. When her mother dies in mysterious circumstances, Delia searches for answers and uncovers a lot more about her mother’s life than she bargained for.

We don’t always take the time to truly know our parents and only reflect when they are gone. In Delia’s case, she tries to piece together her mother’s life as well as her relationships, present and past. Along the way she uncovers the ugly truth behind her parents’ divorce.

Set in the streets of Naples, the reader takes the journey through the grimy streets with Delia as she uncovers her mother’s impoverished lifestyle. Delia is herself not quite right battling her own demons as the memories of her childhood emerge. Can a five-year-old be responsible for the breakdown of their parents’ relationship?  

This is a sobering read, cleverly done covering themes of mental health and domestic violence. It meanders a bit despite the beautiful writing so you need to stick with it. But it is short and worth the time.