TW: This post references abuse (including domestic abuse), physical and mental health, isolation, fundamentalism, war, and trauma.
Love is not one dimensional and these characters prove it! Join me as I celebrate five incredible protagonists who could teach us all a lesson in friendship. (Spoilers for all the books featured on this list!) Georgia Warr from Loveless by Alice Oseman
Georgia’s coming-out story as an asexual-aromantic woman (or ace-aro, for short) is extremely poignant. Readers really empathise with her journey and her efforts to force romance into her life, even when it makes her uncomfortable. However, her powerful friendships make her realise that love can exist in many different forms. If you ask me, Georgia singing Moulin Rouge’s ‘Your Song’ to Pip, and Rooney’s impassioned vow of lifelong friendship, are just as powerful and moving as anything you would find in a traditional romance story! Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Some readers begrudge the fact that Eleanor does not end her story in an explicitly romantic relationship with her close friend and colleague, Ray Gibbons. However, Eleanor and Ray’s relationship should not be devalued just because it’s platonic. Eleanor has spent many years isolated and alone because of her traumatic past; seeing her finally engaged in a healthy, meaningful friendship is wonderful! Positive relationships of any nature can be hard work, but they are worth fighting for – and Eleanor and Ray demonstrate this beautifully! Kate Piper from The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
Even though Kate is introduced to us in the book as ‘David’, it’s clear that Kate is her true identity, so we will be referring to her using her preferred name and she/her pronouns! Kate is so charming and full of love, but most of that good-naturedness is focussed not on a romantic partner, but on her newfound friend, Leo. The book shows us that Kate doesn’t need romantic validation to be happy, because her biggest battle has always been one of self-identity. Kate and Leo support each other so that they can each live and love as their best selves. Queenie Jenkins from Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Given that a many of Queenie’s behaviours are motivated by her surprise break-up with her long-term boyfriend, one assumes that Queenie’s story will conclude with her finding a new, better, more loving partner. However, Queenie’s attempts to reconcile with Tom and her efforts to secure a new boyfriend – no matter how abusive – are extremely damaging for her physical and mental wellbeing. Ultimately it is her friends and family who rally around her and bring out the best in her – reminding us that no matter what, there will always be people out there who adore you unconditionally.
Mariam from A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Mariam’s life of loneliness and spousal abuse in Taliban-occupied Afghanistan is changed forever when her husband marries a second wife, Laila. Despite their initial hostility, these characters quickly form a strong friendship which borders on a mother-daughter bond. Laila’s love gives Mariam the strength to attempt the impossible as they plan to escape their violent husband and their besieged homeland forever. Mariam’s quiet dignity and fierce loyalty make her one of the most compelling female characters ever written, whose story does not need romance to make it any more incredible. Did I miss anyone? (Let’s be honest, I’ve missed a lot of people!) Why not share some of your favourite friendship stories in the comments! Rebecca McHugh @the_bookbound_mind
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