- Duration
- 1 hour
- Product Type
- Lecture
Lecture Details
Photos & Highlights
- Presented by the same world-class experts as our walking tours, Context Lectures highlight must-see attractions, reveal hidden landmarks, and explore the best things to do during your trip so you don’t miss a thing.
Lecture Description
Elena Ferrante (a pseudonymous Italian novelist) has taken the literary world by storm in more recent years, exposing stories of the female experience in postwar Italy up until today. Her depictions of friendship, violence, love, poverty, and determination have resounded among millions of readers. Join an expert in this field on a virtual journey across Italy – inspired by Elena Ferrante's characters.
Meet Your Expert
Danielle Oteri is an expert on Roman, medieval and Renaissance art. She was a Lecturer at the Met Cloisters for fifteen years and has been Program Director of the International Center of Medieval Art since 2008. Danielle has written about art, history, food and travel for Conde Nast Traveler, Gothamist, NPR and Roads & Kingdoms. She is the founder of Feast on History and Arthur Avenue Food Tours.
This discussion will explore the major events in Italian history featured in the books of Elena Ferrante, and make the case that the Neapolitan Novels are a history of modern Italy told from a Southern Italian perspective. We begin with a study of the nation's postwar reconstruction, the rise of the Camorra, the Years of Lead, and conclude with the Irpinia Earthquake.
Danielle Oteri is herself the author of Ferrante Fever: A Naples Guidebook Inspired by Elena Ferrante and is a true expert on this subject, along with other aspects of Naples and Southern Italy. This interactive seminar will focus on details from Ferrante’s catalog that would be unfamiliar to non-Italian readers. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of how Italy is its own character that shapes the expectations and outcomes of Ferrante’s acclaimed novels.
How do I access the lecture?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to stream the lecture on the Context Travel website. You can also access your past purchases anytime under My Orders. Please ensure you are logged into your account to open the streaming page.
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our lectures have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded lectures typically run for 75 minutes.
How can I share this lecture with friends or family?
You are welcome to watch together with friends or family but each person viewing on their own device will need to purchase the lecture individually.
How long does my access to the lecture last?
Once you purchase a lecture, you are welcome to view it as many times as you like and your access does not expire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded lectures are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
"Finally, Elena Ferrante’s Naples put into “context”! Danielle Oteri’s “Elena Ferrante’s Tour of Italy” was so insightful and so informative. She was able to put into context the setting and characters in those famous and fabulous books. She spoke to the world they lived in and especially about Naples, Italy. I can’t wait to read them again knowing what I learned from Danielle!"
– C.C., viewing from Atlantic Highlands, NJ
"Masterclass on Elena Ferrante. For readers who want to understand the context of My Brilliant Friend and learn mind blowing details about history, literature and Naples, this is the best class I can imagine."
– R.J.K., viewing from New York, NY
6 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
This was an excellent talk about the historical context surrounding the Neapolitan Novels. It was great for a non italian and someone who does not know italian history in depth as it explained a number of things which helped put the story and characters in a different perspective. Daniella is an engaging and enjoyable host to listen to as well.
Melinda
Dec. 15, 2022
Excellent insights into the roll of the mafia
Diane
Nov. 18, 2022
Excellent insights into the roll of the mafia
Diane
Nov. 18, 2022
