Savor the harmony of sweet and spicy flavors in the Curried Chicken & Peach Salad, as you delve into the intricate world of cultural evolution in "The Lying Life of Adults" by Elena Ferrante. To enhance this vibrant experience, enjoy a refreshing Peach Sangria, whose fruity and spirited nature complements both the dish and the narrative's depth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sliced peaches, salad greens, red onion, toasted almonds or pecans, and dried cranberries or raisins if using.
- Drizzle the curry yogurt dressing over the salad ingredients.
Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve the Curried Chicken & Peach Salad immediately, or chill it for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
The Lying Life of Adults
The new novel from Elena Ferrante, the beloved author of "My Brilliant Friend," one of the most acclaimed literary series of our times. A powerful new novel set in a divided Naples that challenges our perceptions of adulthood and the boundaries we set between ourselves and family.
The New York Times–bestseller set in a divided Naples—now a Netflix original series—from the acclaimed author of My Brilliant Friend and The Lost Daughter. A BEST BOOK OF 2020 The Washington Post·O, The Oprah Magazine·TIME Magazine·NPR·People Magazine·The New York Times Critics·The Guardian·Electric Literature·Financial Times·Times UK·Irish Times·New York Post·Kirkus Reviews·Toronto Star·The Globe and Mail·Harper’s Bazaar·Vogue UK·The Arts Desk Giovanna’s pretty face is changing, turning ugly, at least so her father thinks. Giovanna, he says, looks more like her Aunt Vittoria every day. But can it be true? Is she really changing? Is she turning into her Aunt Vittoria, a woman she hardly knows but whom her mother and father clearly despise? Surely there is a mirror somewhere in which she can see herself as she truly is. Giovanna is searching for her reflection in two kindred cities that fear and detest one another: Naples of the heights, which assumes a mask of refinement, and Naples of the depths, a place of excess and vulgarity. She moves from one to the other in search of the truth, but neither city seems to offer answers or escape. “Another spellbinding coming-of-age tale from a master.” —People Magazine, Top 10 Books of 2020 “The literary event of the year.” —Elle “Ms. Ferrante once again, with undiminished skill and audacity, creates an emotional force field that has at its heart a young girl on the brink of womanhood.” —The Wall Street Journal
Discussion Questions
- What does the title 'The Lying Life of Adults' suggest about the novel’s themes and how they relate to growing up?
- How does the setting of Naples contribute to the mood and tone of the story?
- Examine the relationships between Giovanna, her parents, and her aunt Vittoria. How do these relationships evolve?
- What role does language and dialect play in the novel? How does it shape Giovanna’s understanding of her world?
- Discuss the theme of appearance vs. reality as it is portrayed in the novel.
- How does Ferrante illustrate the transition from childhood to adulthood in the novel?
- Consider the significance of the bracelet in the story. What does it symbolize for Giovanna and other characters?
- What are the contrasts illustrated between the upper-class and working-class areas of Naples?
- How does Ferrante handle the themes of sexuality and desire?
- In what ways is Giovanna’s voice and perspective distinctly adolescent, and how does it evolve?
Authors:
Elena Ferrante
ISBN: 1609455916
Publisher: Europa Editions
Published Date: 2020-09-01
Peach Sangria
A sweet and refreshing sangria that highlights the juicy flavor of ripe peaches, perfectly complementing the curry spices of the salad. Ideal for summer evenings and leisurely lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (such as a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/4 cup peach schnapps
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 cup club soda
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, sliced peaches, peach schnapps, and simple syrup.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, add the club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Serve in glasses filled with ice cubes, garnished with mint leaves.