Netflix and Italy’s Fandango are teaming up to develop a series based on “The Lying Life of Adults,” the latest novel by globally bestselling Italian novelist Elena Ferrante.
The book, which became an immediate bestseller in Italy after its November 2019 publication locally, will be launched in 25 countries on September 1 and will be published in English by Europa Editions U.S. and U.K.
“The Lying Life of Adults” is a portrayal of a young woman named Giovanna’s transition from childhood to adolescence in the 1990s. “Giovanna is searching for her true reflection in two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: the Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and the Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity,” according to promotional materials provided by Europa Editions.
“She moves between these two cities, disoriented by the fact that, whether high or low, neither city seems to offer answers or escape.”
Named one of the most influential people of the year in 2016 by TIME Magazine, Ferrante is considered one of the world’s most read and beloved 21st-century writers.
“We are incredibly honoured to be entrusted to develop a series based on ‘The Lying Life of Adults,’ said Felipe Tewes, Director of Local Language Original Series at Netflix in a statement.
“Elena Ferrante books have inspired and captivated audiences in Italy and around the world, and we are thrilled to bring her latest endeavour to the screens of our global audience. We are also excited to continue our partnership with Fandango, and invest in more unique Made In Italy stories that we believe will resonate in Italy and around the world.”
Netflix is stepping up activity in Italy where they have joined national motion picture ANICA and will soon have its Italian headquarters in central Rome.
Fandango is among the Italian companies, along with Wildside, that previously teamed up with Rai and HBO on the TV series “My Brilliant Friend,” based on Ferrante’s “Neapolitan Novels” trilogy, the second season of which recently aired in the U.S.
“We are very happy to continue telling the world of Elena Ferrante,” said Fandango founder Domenico Procacci. “‘The Lying Life of Adults, published by our friends at E/O, tells another, close but different, part of that [the Neapolitan Novels] world.”
“It will be a great adventure and we are happy to partner with Netflix, with which we now have a strong and consolidated relationship”.
Netflix and Fandango previously collaborated on the witchcraft series “Luna Nera.”