Novelist explores art of friendship

As Lisa Ireland’s fifth books hits the shelves, the Ocean Grove author said her latest fictional novel explores the themes of friendship and as such, will resonate with readers.

After moving from Melbourne to Ocean Grove seven years ago, the mother of three made the decision, with the support of her husband to become a full-time writer.

“This is my fifth book and I think the topic of friendship will resonate with a lot of people. Most of us know what it’s like to experience the loss of a friendship because of conflict or simply because we’ve grown apart,” she said.

“I wanted to explore the idea of lifelong friendship and whether shared history is enough to sustain a friendship in the long term. I think the answer to that question is a complex one; it certainly was for my characters, Libby and Kit.”

Lisa said the inspiration for the novel came a couple of years ago, when she read an article about ghosting in friendship (where someone suddenly ends the relationship without explanation).

“I realised this had happened to me, until reading the article I had no idea it was so common. It got me thinking about why some friendships last the distance and others don’t.”

The novel, which explores the friendship between two girls who became best friends at 11 years old and have maintained that friendship for over 20 years, has received rave reviews including international bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

“I connected to this book on so many levels. It is simple yet complicated, sad and real, uplifting and funny. It is about the friendships we hold and those we lose. Something about it felt intensely personal.”

For more information on the book, head to lisairelandbooks.com/the-art-offriendship/