Ex-Friends

Norman Podhoretz chronicles his relationships and eventual falling-outs with notable 20th century intellectuals and cultural figures. The book focuses on his connections with Norman Mailer, Lionel and Diana Trilling, Lillian Hellman, Hannah Arendt, and Allen Ginsberg. These relationships spanned decades during which Podhoretz moved from the political left toward neoconservatism, while many of his friends remained committed leftists. Each chapter examines a specific friendship, detailing their initial connections, shared experiences, and the ideological rifts that ultimately drove them apart. The narrative takes place against the backdrop of New York intellectual life from the 1950s through the 1970s, capturing the debates and cultural shifts of the era. Podhoretz provides an insider's perspective on the influential circles that shaped American literary and political discourse during this period. The book serves as both memoir and cultural history, exploring how political convictions can transform or destroy personal bonds. It raises questions about the intersection of ideology and friendship, and whether intellectual disagreements must inevitably lead to personal estrangement.

Readers found this memoir provided an insider's view of New York intellectual circles in the 1950s-60s, particularly through Podhoretz's relationships with Norman Mailer, Lillian Hellman, and Hannah Arendt. Readers appreciated: - Raw honesty about personal and ideological conflicts - Details about the era's literary feuds and politics - Clear writing style and pacing - Historical context about the neoconservative movement Common criticisms: - Self-serving tone and score-settling - Focus on Podhoretz's political transformation over relationships - Harsh treatment of former friends - Lack of self-reflection One reader noted: "He comes across as bitter and vengeful rather than analytical." Another wrote: "Fascinating period piece but the author's ego overshadows the interesting subjects." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (32 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) The book resonated more with readers interested in political/intellectual history than those seeking literary biography.

Making It by Norman Podhoretz A memoir chronicling the author's rise from working-class Brooklyn to New York's intellectual elite circles parallels themes of social mobility and ideological transformation found in Ex-Friends.

The Middle of the Journey by Lionel Trilling This novel examines the political and intellectual shifts among New York intellectuals during the Cold War period through the lens of former communists and their evolving beliefs.

Cultural Cold War by Frances Stonor Saunders The book reveals the networks and relationships between American intellectuals, writers, and the CIA during the Cold War, providing context for the ideological battles described in Ex-Friends.

A Margin of Hope by Irving Howe This intellectual autobiography presents the perspective of another prominent New York intellectual who underwent political transformations during the same period as Podhoretz.

Running Commentary by Benjamin Balint The history of Commentary magazine and its evolution from liberal to conservative positions mirrors the personal and political journey described in Ex-Friends.

🔹 Norman Podhoretz's relationship with Allen Ginsberg dated back to their high school days at Columbia University, where they were part of the same literary circle before their political views drastically diverged. 🔹 The "Ex-Friends" mentioned in the book include prominent intellectuals Norman Mailer, Hannah Arendt, and Lionel Trilling, chronicling Podhoretz's journey from liberal to conservative thought leader. 🔹 The author's break with his former friends coincided with his transformation of Commentary magazine from a liberal publication to one of the leading voices of neoconservatism in America. 🔹 Despite their eventual falling out, Podhoretz and Norman Mailer maintained a complex relationship for over three decades, during which they reviewed each other's works and engaged in public intellectual debates. 🔹 The book serves as both a memoir and a cultural history of New York intellectuals during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly focusing on the shift of Jewish American writers and thinkers from left-wing to conservative politics.