The Virago Book of Friendship
(Author) Rachel CookeA fond, fascinated look at women's friendship through the fiction, diaries, and letters of friends 'A highly entertaining, often instructive anthology bursting with every kind of amicable - or inimical - anecdote . . . Cooke has dug deep and uncovered nuggets of pure gold in every form of writing . . . a delicious book about the great power and strength of real friendship' TABLET Friendship, a timeless subject, has never been more debated, something that has to do both with the internet - the perils of WhatsApp groups, the agony of ghosting - as well as with a growing awareness that loneliness is increasing in our society. Friendship has become a matter of urgent inquiry to therapists, scientists and sociologists. We understand its importance more and more, not only as a comfort and a privilege, but as vital to our health. But it's hard to get inside friendship: its particular intensity and its miraculous ease; its tendency to wax and wane; its ability to inspire both delight and despair. This is the territory of novels and poems, diaries and letters, comics and graphic novels - and it is where the innovative and wide ranging Virago Book of Friendship steps in, bringing together work by more than 100 writers. From Jane Austen to Edith Wharton and Virginia Woolf, from Dolly Alderton to Sarah Waters and Meg Wolitzer and, it celebrates and investigates friendship between women from first encounters to final goodbyes, from falling out to making up again. 'A treasure chest' THE TIMES 'An uplifting anthology' HARPER'S BAZAAR 'A fascinating document' LITERARY REVIEW 'An exhilaratingly wide array' SPECTATOR
Rachel Cooke
Rachel Cooke is a British journalist and author known for her insightful commentary on culture, politics, and society. She has written for publications such as The Guardian, The Observer, and The New Statesman, and her work often delves into issues of gender, class, and identity. Cooke's writing is characterized by its sharp wit, keen observations, and thought-provoking analysis.
One of Cooke's most notable works is her book "Her Brilliant Career: Ten Extraordinary Women of the Fifties," which explores the lives of ten trailblazing women who defied societal expectations and made significant contributions to their respective fields. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Cooke sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of these remarkable women, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal era in history.
Cooke's impact on the literary genre lies in her ability to bring marginalized voices to the forefront and challenge conventional narratives. By highlighting the stories of overlooked figures and questioning established norms, she has enriched the literary landscape and sparked important conversations about gender, power, and representation. Rachel Cooke's work continues to inspire readers and writers alike, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
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