Friendship is Found in the Most Unlikely of Places

This week we take a look at two stunning books about friendship.

I read both of these books in 2022, and both have left a lasting impression on me. In my usual style, both of these books brought tears to my eyes (there may have been sobbing). I give these both 5 out of 5. Goodreads readers give them 4.4/5 and 4.3/5 respectively. Search them out if you haven’t found these gems already.

First up we have Honeybee by Craig Silvey. This is a stunning and emotionally rich novel that explores the complexities of identity, trauma, and love. This is my first time reading one of Silvey’s books, and I now have Jasper Jones (Silvey’s debut) in my to read pile. Honeybee follows the story of Sam Watson. The book starts out with 14-year-old Sam, who is transgender, stepping onto a quiet overpass, climbing over the railing and looking down at the road below. At the other end of the bridge is an old man called Vic. A connection is made and an unlikely friendship is formed.

The novel is beautifully written, with Silvey's prose capturing the raw emotions of the characters and the harsh realities of the world they both inhabit. The novel is largely told from Sam’s perspective but we also learn about Vic and what has led him to the overpass. Through Sam's journey, we are taken on a deeply moving and at times heart-wrenching exploration of what it means to be different in a society that often doesn't understand or accept those who don't fit within its narrow norms.

I thought the author handled a really difficult subject matter with sensitivity and grace, never shying away from the difficult realities that Sam faces, but also never losing sight of hope and resilience. The relationships between the two main characters are beautifully developed, and the love and connection that Sam finds, despite the challenges faced, is a testament to the power of human connection.

Honeybee is an incredibly powerful and moving novel that will certainly stay with me for a long time to come. Although the story is heartbreaking and painful at times, it is ultimately a story of love, acceptance, and the courage to be true to yourself. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the experiences of those who are often marginalised in society.

Another beautiful book about friendship is The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin. I recommend this to so many people and everyone I know who has read it has also really enjoyed it. This is Cronin’s debut novel and is a heartfelt and poignant novel that explores life, death, love, and friendship. I understand this one is being made into a movie.

The story follows the unlikely friendship between seventeen-year-old Lenni and eighty-three-year-old Margot. Both are patients in the same hospital, and they strike up a friendship when they meet in art therapy. Their friendship is simply beautiful as it unfolds. It is filled with humour, wit, and honesty. Lenni is a talented artist who is facing a terminal illness, while Margot is a fiery, independent woman who has lived a long and eventful life. Together, they embark on a mission to create a hundred drawings that tell the story of their lives, one for each year they have (collectively) lived.

The novel is beautifully written and captures the essence of the characters with warmth and depth. Cronin skillfully weaves together the stories of Lenni and Margot, revealing their joys and sorrows, their regrets and triumphs, and the impact they have had on the people around them. This story is filled with moments of tenderness and humour, as well as heart-wrenching scenes that will bring you to tears (or maybe just me).

Similar to Honeybee, Cronin tackles really difficult themes with sensitivity and compassion - mortality, friendship, family, and love. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the relationships between them are layered and nuanced.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a beautiful and moving novel which will be difficult for you to forget. It is one of those ones you want to keep reading, but don’t want it to end. I was sad when it was over. This book is a beautiful celebration of life, love, and the human spirit, and is a testament to the enduring power of friendship. Add this one to your list, because life is too short to read bad books.