Books and Friendship
Sophie Lombardi
Autumn can be a tricky time of year, as we slide into shorter days and colder nights. For many of us, it is also a time of transition with children starting school and leaving home for university. These are common experiences and better off shared with friends and loved ones. Autumn is a good time to nuture friendships and so I thought this week I would write about the different types of friendships expressed in some fantastic books I have read recently.
‘The Piglettes’ by Clementine Beauvais
This is a wonderfully joyful book about teenage friendships and how these support us to navigate difficult times growing up. Three girls living in a french village are mercilessly bullied and awarded the school ‘Pig Award’. Instead of crawling into a hole, they find each other and begin a journey across France sticking it to the haters and becoming national celebrities. The book discusses some tricky themes but ultimately friendship wins the day.
‘Shy Creatures’ by Clare Chambers
A beautifully written book about a man who is woefully neglected and mistreated. He is essentially rescued by an art therapist and a school friend’s mother. Compassion is a notable theme throughout this book as we watch this shy man start to live a more functional life due to the kindness of strangers and individuals with no obligation to take care of him. This is another lovely book by Clare Chambers, perfect to snuggle up with this Autumn.
‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ by Amole Towles
This epic novel spans over thirty years of Russian history, during which an aristocratic Count is incarcerated in a luxury hotel. Friendship is crucial to the survival of the characters as they experience the abolition of the aristocracy and the rise of communism. I chose to include ‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ because the friendships in the book, cross generational, political and class boundaries. These include wonderful relationships between the aristocratic count, hotel staff and a little girl who hides in the hotel. Don’t be put off by the size of the book, it is utterly engaging and heart warming.
‘Goodbye Birdie Greenwig’ by Ericka Waller
This is lovely story about lonely elderly lady called Birdie. As her health fails and she comes towards the end of her life, she somehow manages to bring the community on her street together to look after her. These include an estranged family, a child with autism and an overworked, isolated Polish doctor. As they all focus on taking care of Birdie, the characters mend their relationships and form strong friendships. This book makes you want to check on your neighbours and reminds us that friendships can evolve in unlikely places at every stage of life.
I hope that this little round up of great books is helpful. If you have read anything lately that has warmed your cockles, please put your suggestions below.
Sophie x
