Girl Friends by Holly Bourne

The story follows Fern, a 31-year-old woman whose life is upended when her estranged teenage best friend, Jessica, reappears after more than a decade. Their past friendship was intense and formative, but it ended abruptly due to a betrayal that Fern couldn't forgive. As Jessica reenters her life, Fern is forced to confront unresolved emotions and question whether people can truly change

The narrative alternates between the present and their teenage years, revealing how societal pressures, particularly the male gaze, shaped their perceptions of themselves and each other. Bourne explores themes of jealousy, self-worth, and the often unspoken rules that govern female relationships.