Female friendships are crucial in helping women navigate life, love, and society. These bonds offer strength, vulnerability, and a sense of belonging, yet they are rarely placed at the heart of literary narratives. Too often sidelined in favor of romantic or familial themes, female friendships deserve more space on the page. Here are seven books that mirror the realities, complexities, and beauty of platonic love between women.
Emma by Jane Austen
As English author Jane Austen’s last novel to be published during her lifetime, Emma sure does not disappoint. Set in the fictional town of Highbury, the story focuses on the witty and wealthy character of Emma Woodhouse, who spends her time matchmaking and meddling in the lives of her friends and neighbors. While many believe the main theme of the book is marriage, the bigger theme is really female friendship. Emma forms a strong partnership with Harriet Smith, an impressionable girl boarding at a local school. Emma takes Harriet under her wing, yet becomes too enamored with Harriet’s love life and social status, showing how overcontrol can manifest in female friendships. Emma’s jealousy of Jane Fairfax, another accomplished young woman in Highbury, is also worth analyzing, exemplifying how competition between women can affect a connection. This novel is filled with nuanced, realistic characters that still resonate with the complexities of female friendships today.
Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie
Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie effectively observes how certain insecurities and tensions, such as financial differences and aging, can have an impact on female friendships. This profound novel starts in Karachi, Pakistan, during a time of political instability. Since childhood, friends Zahra and Maryam have navigated this turmoil together, despite having different backgrounds and values. The book gives glimpses into particular stages of female friendships, including their limits and eventual breaking points.
Sula by Toni Morrison
Published in 1973, Sula, by the great Toni Morrison, explores the story of two black women, Nel and Sula, living in Medallion, Ohio. Their community is largely affected and corrupted by the racism of their larger society, manifesting rage and disorder in the lives of the townspeople and, consequently, the two women. After Nel gets married, Sula leaves the town just to return years later to have an affair with Nel’s husband, Jude. Through gut-wrenching events, poetic language, and complex characters, Morrison confronts themes of patriarchy, betrayal, and forgiveness. This novel may make you wonder: What would female friendships look like when unmediated by men?
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
My Brilliant Friend is the first of four volumes in Italian author Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels series. Taking place in Naples, Italy, the novel’s topics of class and personal identity remain globally relevant. Elena and Lila’s evolution from childhood to adulthood speaks to the power and complexity of female friendship. Their deep bond is marked by persistent competition and envy while also resting on dependence and loyalty. The patriarchal society of their community limits the girls’ opportunities, making their friendship crucial for navigating societal expectations, identity, and survival.
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho is a warm book observing two Taiwanese-American women, Fiona and Jane, whose longtime friendship becomes strained when they must move to opposite coasts. Readers follow the pair as they grow together and apart, discover their sexualities, grieve, and navigate tumultuous familial relationships. Told in their alternating voices, the novel parses through the individual layers enveloping female friendships, such as power, bitterness, and unwavering love. The language in this book will touch the hearts of female readers who are coming to terms with their relationships with themselves and their loved ones, bringing to light their own insecurities and obstacles holding them back.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney beautifully explores the nuances within the depths of female friendships. Alice and Eileen, two women in their late twenties, write to each other as they navigate their love lives, loneliness, and sense of meaning. The novel explores what it means to be vulnerable with a friend, and how to show them support and understanding during their struggles. While their friendship has many challenges, Alice and Eileen find solace and connection in each other in an overwhelming and stressful environment. Rooney suggests personal, deep relationships can combat despair in the most trying times.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
In Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s bonds with her female peers, especially Diana Barry, highlight the beauty and importance of female companionship. The two become inseparable “bosom friends”, sharing their dreams and going on childlike adventures together. Anne also makes friends with girls at her school whom she initially disliked, demonstrating the importance of open-mindedness while forming these bonds. The novel shows readers the beauty of finding kindred spirits — those who understand and accept you as you are. As the girls grow up, the strength of these female bonds endures.
The female friendships explored in these stories are central to each character’s personal growth, showcasing the power and significance of female bonds. While romantic love is often seen as the main focus in not only literature but also women’s lives, these portrayals show readers that female friendships have a deeper impact on us than we may think.
Check out this article explaining why female friendships in books are so important.
Discover more book recommendations featuring female friendships.
