A review by edenseve63
The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True Life Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out or Faded Away by Jenny Offill

2.0

Friendship has long been a familiar topic for writers delving into the complexities of what brings us together and what tears us apart. In Vivian Gornick’s short story she compares the fierceness of modern day female friendships with male platonic friendships described like romantic love by poets and philosophers in centuries past. To such romantic 18th century writers friendship was Nothing less than the coming together of twin souls. I recognize that exuberant emotion and declarations of friends forever in those female friendships formed in childhood and youth, that by mid-life remain only in memory. It puts me in mind of mother’s warnings not to play every day with the same friend as it will eventually lead to a fight and withdrawal of amity. In other words, moderate your attachments, have several pals not just one best buddy. But u and I know in the exuberance of finding that intimate to whom u spill out ur dreams, hopes, sorrows and joys, children and young adults do not readily do moderation.

This collection of short stories by popular and esteemed woman authors recollecting the wonder of finding that perfect friend, the denouement of the relationship, the decline and inevitable end, can not be faulted in the excellent writing. However, each story drawn out and dissected was ultimately sad and depressing. I almost could hear a twangy country balladeer crooning she/he done me wrong.