Thinking about something like the movie Banshees of Inisherin; being dumped by a friend and the loneliness that follows. I’ve read Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki by Murakami which deals with this issue in one way as well. In it, the titular character’s entire friend group cuts him off when he moves away for college and will not tell him why. He eventually finds out and the old Murakami tropes come in.
I’m also okay with it being romantic, like a sudden breakup, but ideally it has a bit more nuance than just missing an ex. Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill is a good example of what I’m looking for I think. Something about the dissolution of a time in your life, wanting to hold onto it but knowing it is ending. Even a dramatic unfurling of a group a la The Secret History would be cool.
Open to poetry as well, have read some Louise Glück that fits the bill. Or just fiction about loneliness and longing is okay if no central relationship is defined, but something you found engrossing. Angsty works too 👍🏽 I’m partial to plotless, sprawling books. Bonus points for books where a character is deeply entranced by another person/longs to be with them or even become them.
by jocantsswim