This year’s first WeeGee Reads takes us on a literary adventure to sunny Naples! At the event, we will delve into the beloved Neapolitan Novels, the four-part book series by Elena Ferrante, at EMMA’s Arte Povera – A New Chapter exhibition (in Finnish). The event is part of the Saturday’s Italian Brunch in the Spirit of Art programme.

Elena Ferrante is one of Italy’s most significant contemporary authors, and the Neapolitan Novels are her best-known work. More than 16 million copies have been sold, and the novels have been translated into 45 languages and turned into a highly acclaimed HBO television series. The novels have also been adapted for the stage in Finland under the title Min fantastiska väninna (My Brilliant Friend), directed by Riikka Oksanen.

Ferrante has described the book series as a single novel that, for practical reasons, was published in four volumes. The series follows two friends as they grow from childhood into old age. The novels, which depict friendship between women, explore several social themes, such as poverty and the changing circumstances of Italian women in the 1970s.

Elena Ferrante is a pen name, and the author’s true identity is known only to the books’ publisher. This bestselling series and its mysterious author will be discussed by Ferrante fan, reading ambassador, and book blogger Kirsi Ranin, together with journalist and book blogger Airi Vilhunen.

Schedule:
13.45 WeeGee Reads: Elena Ferrante, 2nd floor, EMMA
14.45 Silent book club
15.30 Closing discussion

What is a silent book club?
The silent book club is an event concept for book lovers who want to read in peace but still together. The concept is simple: gather, open a book, and immerse yourself in it for an agreed-upon time. WeeGee Reads events revolve around a loose theme, and we encourage participants to bring a book that fits the theme. This is entirely voluntary; you can read whatever you want. After reading, there will be a discussion about what has been read.

WeeGee Reads is an event series produced by EMMA and Exhibition Centre WeeGee that brings literature back to the WeeGee building that was originally a printing house.

Included in the museum admission fee (0–20 €).