HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY SARAH!
Today my best friend and founder of this blog turns 21 and I wanted to celebrate by writing a post for her. So I have decided to write a list of my favourite fictional friendships and when I was thinking about it, it turns out this list features most of my favourite books! Clearly, well written friendships are an important factor for me in a book.
Hazel, Gus and Isaac – The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Number one on this list has to be Hazel, Gus and Isaac who all appear in one of Sarah’s favourite books, The Fault in Our Stars. There are many differing opinions about John Green’s books, however, I do think he writes teen friendships really well. The heartbreaking premise of this story draws the three characters strongly together, showing their devotion to each other during tragic situations. You leave this book valuing the friends you hold dear.
Percy, Annabeth and Grover – Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
This is a series which I have loved for a few years now since my younger brother told me about them. These books are centred around demigod Percy and his adventures, which his best friends Annabeth and Grover follow him on. Although written rather colloquially and for a younger audience these are entertaining stories based on Greek mythology, which I learnt a lot about from reading them. It’s fun to see Percy and his friends grow older and closer through the five books and I would definitely recommend these for adults as well as children.
Liesel and Rudy – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The young protagonist Liesel and her best friend Rudy are a perfect example of an adorable childhood friendship. Set in World War II, many awful things happen to the characters and because of this context, the innocent exchanges between these two bring both smiles and tears. This book is narrated by Death who often describes the complexity and beauty of all human relationships. I adore this book and I think Markus Zusak is a genius writer.
Harry, Ron and Hermione – Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
I cannot and will not make a post about friendship without mentioning Harry Potter. Harry, Ron and Hermione, often referred to as The Golden Trio, are probably my most cherished portrayal of friendship. We follow them from their first awkward encounters as children to their inseparable bond as young adults. The three of them balance each other out perfectly and have adorably happy times along with tragically difficult ones. Every time I pick up these books, I feel like I am a part of their little group at Hogwarts.
Becky and Suze – Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella
Onto yet another series: the Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella. Becky and her best friend, Suze, go through highs and lows together and remain friends whatever crazy situation Becky gets herself into. We see both of them develop a lot through the series and Suze is always the one to attempt to save Becky from whatever crisis she is in. The reason I love these books so much is because of their lighthearted, funny style and the two friends embody this feel good attitude completely.
Charlie, Patrick and Sam – The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book which is very close to my heart. It is one of my favourite coming of age stories, mostly because of the dynamics between Charlie, Patrick and Sam. I think many aspects of this story are highly relatable, including Charlie’s struggle and success of finding friends who he feels comfortable with. Another great factor of this book is the rest of their group of friends, as we get to see Charlie interact with many different types of people, often befriending unlikely personalities.
Sarah and friends, Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher
I was going to list all the names, however, the protagonist’s group of friends are rather a large bunch! This doesn’t, however, stop them from having such delightfully individual personalities and relationships with each other. Giovanna Fletcher writes all the characters in such an honest and cheery way that you just want to fall into the story and befriend every single one of them, joining the group for their weekly pub quizzes.
Emma and Dexter – One Day by David Nicholls
I always remember Sarah lending me this book, insisting I read it, when we were probably around 15 years old. I, like Sarah, fell so in love with Emma and Dexter, two friends with a very unique relationship. From the day they meet to twenty years after, we see the ups and downs of both their relationship together and their separate lives. It’s hard not to believe these two characters are soulmates. It’s also difficult to remember these are only fictional characters, as the way they are written is so genuine, they seem like real people.
Minny and Aibileen/Minny and Celia – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
This has been a favourite of mine for a long time and I read it after seeing the film adaptation (also amazing). The relationships between all the women in this book are so complex and stunning, and I think this is the reason I adore the story so much. I chose the two friendships one of the main characters, Minny, has because they are so different but both so pure. Minny and Aibileen are lifelong best friends with an unbreakable bond. Minny and Celia are two unlikely friends but their relationship is just as heartwarming. The Help is a beautifully crafted novel, filled with strong bonds.
Kathy, Tommy and Ruth – Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Another of my favourite books, I cannot shower this novel with enough praise. This is a slightly more odd choice than the others because although the friendship between the three main characters is a large focus of the story, their relationship is very often strained and sometimes cruel. However, the relationships between Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are incredibly detailed and intricate, and the way Kathy describes their experiences together, from childhood and adulthood, is very unique and compelling to read.
Effie and Haymitch – The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
My final friendship is probably not the most obvious choice but I completely adore Effie and Haymitch’s relationship through this series. I loved their strange friendship (beginning with disliking each other) and very opposite personalities and I know that Sarah also loves these two characters too. The film adaptations of the trilogy really add to their relationship in really entertaining ways and I love both the page and screen portrayals of their relationship.
If anyone has any fictional friendships you have also fallen deeply in love with, please let us know! I’m sure it is clear from this post, but I really do have a soft spot for a good, heartwarming friendship.
The Little Contemporary Corner 