Love, Sweet Love

When Burt Bacharach died, I spent about half an hour listening to What the World Needs Now is Love by Jackie DeShannon. I wouldn’t say I was a huge Bacharach fan, but the simple ethos of that song has always struck me. I’ve always felt childish in wondering why the world can’t be easier, why people can’t be kinder and why things have to be so difficult sometimes? Why is it so hard to love?

Last night was a reminder of the power of love for me. I was at my favourite book shop West Kirby Bookshop (jewel of Merseyside!) to see my friend Sara interview Jessica George about her new novel Maame. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s a story of a woman in her twenties grappling with caring responsibilities, grief and friendship. One of the major points of the book is the power of female friendship and the ways in which women love and support one another.

Watching one of my dearest friends command a room full of people, alongside my lovely book club brought a lot of feelings to the surface. I have loved romantic partners deeply, I have been adored and heartbroken by them and I consider myself a product of those relationships in many ways, but I find it hard to articulate the impact my female friendships have had on me. They have been the loves of my life, the ones who have held and supported me, celebrated and cherished me, comforted and healed me. The breakups and fissures have hurt me more than any man ever has. I am the person and woman that I am thanks to my friends.

People often ask me if I feel lonely as I’m single and live alone and the honest truth is that I very rarely do. I have given so much of myself to my friends, and they have returned that to me. The world really does need more love, sweet love, and I’m so grateful to be blessed with the love of so many wonderful women. I know lots of them read this, so thank you. I love you.

Jessica said that her next book will centre on female friendship, so I’m already excited to hear more, but in the meantime, I’m really excited to read Maame.