Ex Friends: Falling Out with Allen Ginsberg, Lionel and Diana Trilling, Lillian Hellman, Hannah Arendt, and Norman Mailer

The narrative explores the complex relationships within a prominent group of New York intellectuals, showcasing themes of affection, jealousy, and betrayal. Podhoretz offers vivid portraits of cultural icons while reflecting on the intellectual and social upheaval of the 60s and 70s. His transformation from radical to conservative illustrates a significant shift in America's intellectual landscape, leading to estrangement from former allies. The memoir evokes nostalgia for a time of spirited debate and the belief in the power of ideas to effect change.