Andrew O’Hagan’s *On Friendship* Explores the Bonds That Define Us
Andrew O’Hagan’s latest book, On Friendship, is a short but thoughtful look at the bonds that shape our lives. Through eight personal essays, he reflects on connections that last, fade, or vanish without warning. The collection arrives as a quiet reminder to value friendships—both old and new—especially at a time when many pause to reflect on the year gone by.
O’Hagan has long explored friendship in his writing. His 2020 novel Mayflies traced the lifelong impact of teenage bonds. Here, he turns to real-life relationships, from childhood companions to literary giants. One essay, Boys United, recounts his early friendship with a boy named Mark, who disappeared from his life without explanation.
On Friendship doesn’t offer grand conclusions or sentimental platitudes. It simply presents moments of connection, loss, and quiet gratitude. For readers looking to consider their own relationships as one year ends and another begins, the book serves as a gentle prompt to reach out, remember, and appreciate.
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