Literary Friendships: 6 Bestselling Classics

“There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.”

― Irving Stone, “Clarence Darrow for the Defense”

For us bibliophiles, books are our best friends. They are loyal and provide us with the experience of a lifetime in merely a few hours. Naturally, it is always a treat to have a friend with whom we can discuss our favorite tomes. Accept it or not, friends are an indelible part of our lives. The best thing about friends is that we choose them. Good friends provide comfort, camaraderie, and of course, banter. There are always there whether when we cry or when we laugh. To celebrate this unique bond, the United Nations declared July 30 to be International Friendship Day.

As the day is fast approaching, I am sure many of us are wondering what special can be done for our beloved buddies. Well, why not gift them a book about friendship and spend the day reminiscing about your own special connection?

Here is a list of books about literary friendships that will certainly make you appreciate the sacred bond.

Book: The Three Musketeers

Author: Alexandre Dumas

The Three Musketeers is an adventure novel penned by the French author, Alexandre Dumas, in 1844. The book is set in the 1620s and tells a chivalric tale full of adventure, espionage, scandal, and conspiracy. This swashbuckling classic brings to us the friendship of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the three musketeers. They are joined by the young Comte d’Artagnan as they all fight injustices. Dumas’ tale is a supremely entertaining read that has stood the test of time. It is a tale of valor and friendship that will want you to go out on an adventure of your own with your friends.

Book: Emma

Author: Jane Austen

Emma is a charming Regency Romance penned by Jane Austen. Published in 1815, the novel perfectly embodies the trope of friends falling in love. Emma is a beautiful and wealthy young lady who decides to try her hand at matchmaking. Things take an unexpected turn when she sets out to make a match for Harriet Smith. Contrary to all expectations, she starts seeing George, her lifelong friend and neighbor, in a different light. Jane Austen’s Emma follows Emma Woodhouse and George Knightly as they traverse the difficult road from friends to lovers.

Book: Little Women

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a charming novel written by Louisa May Alcott. Published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, the book depicts a strong bond of female friendship and sisterhood. We follow the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they navigate life during the tumultuous times of the Civil War. Alcott beautifully depicts the evolution of the girls’ friendship as they leave behind their girlhoods and become young ladies. We also get to see the March sisters’ bonds with their neighbors. The homemade theatricals and the Pilgrim’s Progress role-playing, along with their constant fights and reconciliations remind us of our own close friends. In Little Women, Alcott portrays that though the nature of friendship changes over time, it always remains strong.

Book: Anne of the Green Gables

Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery

Anne of the Green Gables is a classic penned by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Published in 1908, the novel revolves around Anne Shirley, a tomboyish orphan who is mistakenly sent to the Cuthberts instead of a boy. Siblings, Matthew and Marilla, know from the very beginning that Anne was special. They decide to keep her. Thus, starts Anne’s journey of forging real friendships. No longer stuck with her imaginary buddies, she finally gets a chance to create meaningful bonds. Anne of the Green Gables is a heart-warming read with many adorable moments of friendship. This is one book that is sure to remind you of the simpler days of childhood.

Book: The Secret Garden

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Published in 1911, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a timeless piece of children’s literature. The book portrays the growing friendship among Mary, Colin, and Dickon. Mary Lennox starts off as a spoilt ten-year-old who is sent to live with her aunt’s family in England after her parent’s demise. Unfortunately, her aunt had died and she had to stay with her hunchback uncle. Soon, she discovers the hidden garden on the property. Mary is joined by Colin and Dickon as they unravel the secrets of the enchanting garden. I love how the blossoming of the garden acts as a metaphor for the metamorphosis of the children. It is heart-warming to see how the children each come on their own as they take charge of the garden. 

Book: Of Mice and Men

Author: John Steinbeck

Published in 1937, Of Mice and Men is an enduring novel written by John Steinbeck. The book revolves around two drifters, George and Lennie, as they do their best to achieve their simple dream of owning some land of their own, a few rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Fate leads them to a ranch in California. There, reality intrudes into their ideal world. Soon, they find their dream slipping away. Steinbeck brings to us the story of two men as they cling to their friendship amidst alienation and loneliness. Of Mice and Men is a book that will stay with the reader for a long time.

Conclusion

Ernest Hemingway rightfully said, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” A book can never betray you. Nevertheless, books cannot replace your real friends as well. Books about friendships remind us of the value of our dear friends.

There are tons of books out there that depict the value of friendship. It is always a treat to read about the sweet and sour bond among friends. It somehow reminds us of our friends, many of whom might not be in our lives anymore. This International Friendship Day grab a book about friends and celebrate the everlasting bond of friendship.

Do comment and let me know your favorite book about friendship.