Andrew O'Hagan, FRSL (born 1968) is a Scottish novelist and non-fiction author.
He is the author of the novels Our Fathers, Personality, and Be Near Me, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. His work has appeared in the London Review of Books, the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker, and The Guardian (UK). In 2003, O’Hagan was named one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists. He lives in London, England.
I was gifted a physical advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher.
What does friendship mean to you? I had the honour of receiving this beautiful advanced reader copy of On Friendship by Andrew O’Hagan. A beautiful and insightful view into one of life’s most important relationships. This collection was emotional and impactful and well worth the read. Thank you so much to Faber Books for sending this to me.
Confession for me: I've never read any of Andrew O'Hagan's books, not Mayflies (but I may do so now).
I picked this book up from the neighbourhood library while waiting for my wife's hair appointment, out of the lists of new books, and was gripped by the author's very earnest and candid recollection of his friends and friendships.
There are mentions of true friends, fake/shallow friends, actor friends, elder friends, friends who pass (die, or just fade away due to distance or time), friends who are meant to be let go, animal friends, and imaginary friends - all of which are real to a person and his/her life.
I was surprised how such a short book could be so truthful, and how it reminds us to let go where it's ok, and where friendships go beyond transactional, which on surface seems to be that, but goes a lot more beyond; with loyalty, unwavering trust, and innocence.
A worthy read that is at least mostly autobiographical, sharing his personal stories and life, quite amazingly packed in 137 pages.
A short but poignant set of reflections on the nature of friendship. It’s almost a non-fiction adjunct to his wonderful novel “Mayflies”. Both works have moments of profundity & are deeply moving. I heartily recommend both.