The disappearance of her old friend Lila causes author Elena to look back on the early days of their friendship during the 1950s in Naples, when they were two drastically different girls at the top of their class.

As fourth grade nears an end, Elena and Lila fight with their families to continue their education; a trip out of town turns into a day Elena will never forget; a death changes everything in the neighbourhood.

Elena struggles to balance the onset of puberty, her studies, and her friendship with Lila; Lila stands up to the Solara brothers.

As they enter high school, Elena vows to stay ahead of Lila academically and romantically; a New Year's Eve party turns into a dangerous stand-off.

Elena becomes tired of Gino, while Lila decides to reject two potential suitors at a cost. A rare visit to the city turns violent. Elena is concerned about not being there for Lila after receiving an invitation to spend the summer away from town.

Elena bumps into the Sarratore family on the island of Ischia, which reignites her childhood crush on Nino; Lila's resistance to Marcello's relentless courtship hits a breaking point; Elena is left feeling shaken on her 15th birthday.