A review by thathappyreader
The Friends We Keep by Jane Green

4.0

The Friends We Keep is beautiful story of three college friends over the course of 30 years. Following graduation, Evvie, Maggie and Topher each go their separate ways to build their careers and lives. A betrayal by one of the characters to another is hidden until the three are reunited after 30 years.

The story explores the importance of having friends in our lives - many who can be considered family after years spent together. It underlines the idea that none of us are perfect but, despite our imperfections, true friendships will live on.

I appreciate that the author explores the stigmata associated with alcohol induced liver disease as well the eating disorders and life choices one character makes to have the “ideal” body. I loved that the character of Topher is gay - there is a brief discussion of how the AIDS epidemic effected him, but I would have liked the author to have explored this impact on society a bit more.

I would recommend this book to anyone enjoys reading about long term friendships.