Hodder Paperbacks
Hodder & Stoughton
Hodder & Stoughton
Hodder & Stoughton
A witty, incisive and devastating look at a female friendship following two women from their teenage years to their thirties
'Blistering, confronting, and utterly compelling' LOUISE O'NEILL
'Engaging and profoundly compassionate' DAISY BUCHANAN
"Men see women in two separate categories. There are the women they sleep with, and the women they fall in love with. And they will treat you differently based on that."
From the day they first meet as teenagers Fern and Jessica are best friends. Despite their differences, they are there for each other throughout everything, navigating the difficulties of growing up and fitting in. That is, until Jessica crosses a line that Fern can't forgive.
But now, more than ten years later, Jessica has unexpectedly reappeared in Fern's life.
A lot has changed for them both - but can their relationship be different now they are older? Is it possible for either of them to rewrite the role that they have been cast in? Or will their shared history ultimately be doomed to repeat itself?
Set between the present day and the past, GIRL FRIENDS is a blisteringly funny and devastating novel: both a joyful celebration of female friendship and a razor-sharp look at the damage we can all cause to those we claim to love the most.
GIRL FRIENDS is a blistering, confronting, and utterly compelling read. It's laugh-out-loud funny and disquieting in equal measures. This is Holly Bourne at her very best - Louise O'Neill
I will never, ever forget this book. It explores some of the darkest and most difficult parts of womanhood and growing up in an engaging and profoundly compassionate way. It's more than a page turner - it's the sort of story you inhale. Fern is one of the most real, most loveable heroines I've met. This book will leave its readers kinder and wiser, and it will inspire us all to forgive ourselves for our complicated pasts - Daisy Buchanan
A total tour de force - GIRL FRIENDS is all at once shocking, validating, shrewd and sharp-witted. I didn't even know female friendship could be altered by the male gaze until I read this! And that is what is so astounding about Holly's work: she makes you understand what you didn't know you needed to examine . . . put words to my experience of growing up in the noughties and how the boys back then affect who I am now. Just magnificent. Buy it for every friend you have, and then hold a book club to discuss immediately. - Laura Jane Williams
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) gives some advice
Holly Bourne on why she wrote HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) on just how true to life this book is!
Adult vs YA Writing | Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW)
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) book recommendations!
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) gives some advice
Holly Bourne on why she wrote HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) on just how true to life this book is!
Adult vs YA Writing | Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW)
Holly Bourne (author of HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW) book recommendations!
Holly started her writing career as a news journalist, where she was nominated for Best Print Journalist of the Year. She then spent six years working as an editor, a relationship advisor, and general 'agony aunt' for a youth charity - helping young people with their relationships and mental health. Inspired by what she saw, she started writing teen fiction, including the best-selling, award-winning 'Spinster Club' series which helps educate teenagers about feminism. When she turned thirty, Holly wrote her first adult novel, examining the intensified pressures on women once they hit that landmark.
Alongside her writing, Holly has a keen interest in women's rights and is an advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health problems. She's helped create online apps that teach young people about sexual consent and is an ambassador for Women's Aid.