Three books on friendship
A short recap of some of my recent reads.
In the past two months, I’ve read a few books that might as well be friendship manifestos. Author of American Marriage, Tayari Jones has a new book Kin which explores what friendship looks like in the face of loss and the search for identity.
Out September 2026, the big theme in Deesha Philyaw’s new book True Confessions of First Lady Freeman is mega church scandals - to put it mildly. Friendship does come up a lot in the way the protagonist makes bargains and sacrifices just to belong.
Holly Bourne’s Girl Friends is my current read. I’m only halfway through, but at its simplest, it’s really about all the forces that pull friendships apart.
All three books grapple with some form of distance, making me turn the light on my own japa-strained friendships. Distance edits friendship. Although texts and calls keep people in our lives, they cannot hold the countless (small but often physical) moments that intimacy is built on.
Who’s going to write a novel about that?
I’ve missed writing to you regularly. What are you reading currently?
Two other small things from me:
If you’re in London, I’m going to host an intimate in-person fiction writing workshop this August. Reply to this email if you’re keen. It’ll be in South East London.
I’m creating a community / support group for mums who create. If this is you, fill out this form and I’ll be in touch! Do share even if it doesn’t apply to you.
I just finished The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and I really loved it.
The main character is a 78 year old woman who is witty, stubborn, brilliant and loves to write.
I like stories about older women that celebrates love and friendship and grief.
I’m currently reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and listening to Conjure Women by Afia Atakora. I’ll be Adding Kin to my reading list.