Episode 1
Lila and Lena, two bright young girls who have grown up in the tough streets of post-war Naples and are striving to make a better life for themselves before their worlds divide.
From one of Italy's most acclaimed authors, Elena Ferrante, the continuing story of Lila and Lena, two bright young girls who have grown up in the tough, rough streets of post war Naples.
Striving to make a better life for themselves, they work hard at school but Lila is stopped in her tracks when forced to give up her education and work for the family shoe making business. It's not long before their worlds are pushed apart and Lila ends up marrying a local businessman and son of the murdered local loan shark Don Achille.
Written by Elena Ferrante
Dramatised by Timberlake Wertenbaker
Producer: Celia de Wolff
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
![]()
Seven European bestsellers you should read in 2017
Renowned European writers you might not have heard of but you really should read.
![]()
Reading Europe
Radio 4 journeys across Europe, exploring what the continent is reading now and why.
Clip
![]()
What's with the dark glasses?
Duration: 02:31
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Lena | Monica Dolan |
| Lila | Anastasia Hille |
| Lena (adolescent) | Daisy Tompkinson |
| Lila (adolescent) | Chloe Harris |
| Rino | Tom Varey |
| Carmela | Harriet Waters |
| Marcello | Luke Williams |
| Michele | Lee Rufford |
| Stefano | Adam Long |
| Pasquale | Joseph Palmer |
| Nino Sarratore | Sam Lupton |
| Antonio | Josh Bolt |
| Marisa | Claudia Jolly |
| Pinuccia | Kathryn Drysdale |
| Gigliola | Bessie Carter |
| Nadia | Bessie Carter |
| Ada | Nelly Harker |
| Enzo | Brian Fletcher |
| Toast Master | David Collings |
| Lena's Mum | Jane Whittenshaw |
| Professor Galiani | Sara Markland |
| Girl | Sara Markland |
| Armando | Josh Dylan |
| Boy | Josh Dylan |
| Voice | Josh Dylan |
| Author | Elena Ferrante |
| Adaptor | Timberlake Wertenbaker |
| Director | Celia de Wolff |
Broadcasts
- Sun 15 Jan 201715:00BBC Radio 4 FM
- Sat 2 Sep 201721:00BBC Radio 4
Six Iconic Women of the Arts in Italy
Celebrating the most talented creative women in Italy's history.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
The Shakespeare Sessions
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world
