Rachel Cooke discusses her top friendship books in The Week

Rachel Cooke, a writer and journalist, has curated a selection of her favorite books that explore the theme of friendship. Her latest work, "The Virago Book of Friendship," is an anthology that focuses specifically on female friendships and is currently available. Among the highlighted titles is "The Spare Room" by Helen Garner, which delves into the complexities of caring for a friend undergoing cancer treatment. Another notable mention is "Love is Blue: A Wartime Diary" by Joan Wyndham, which captures the camaraderie of young women in the WAAF during World War II. Cooke also emphasizes the significance of the correspondence between Vera Brittain and Winifred Holtby in "Between Friends: Letters of Vera Brittain and Winifred Holtby," showcasing the depth of their literary friendship. Additionally, she reflects on the emotional impact of the character Helen Burns from "Jane Eyre," illustrating how literature can evoke profound feelings of loss and connection. Through these selections, Cooke highlights the multifaceted nature of friendships, particularly among women, and the ways in which these relationships are portrayed in literature.