Book Review: Memoirist Lilly Dancyger’s penetrating essays explore the power of female friendships

In 2021 Lilly Dancyger’s first book, “Negative Space,” was praised for its unflinching portrait of her father’s heroin addiction. In a new essay collection, “First Love,” Dancyger grapples with the murder of a beloved cousin, using it as a springboard to honor the female friends who in that instance and others, gave her unconditional love. Though most of the essays are grounded in the quirky details of specific relationships, she often expands her focus to critically examine the way girls and women are portrayed in the media. Associated Press reviewer Ann Levin says the book is a thoughtful celebration of the power of female friendships. Published by Dial Press, “First Love: Essays on Friendship” will be released on Tuesday.