Top 3 Sibling Relationships (Laurie)

Last week Hannah shared the final post in her Relationships Beyond Romance series. It's been so fun to explore and celebrate the non-romantic relationships that often don't get enough attention in books and movies with her! In thinking back through the different types of relationships she discussed, the one that stood out to me the most was sibling relationships.

I am so fortunate to have an amazing sister who has shaped my life in so many ways. Even though we now live far apart, we manage to stay close with lengthy phone chats at least once a week. My sister listens to and cares about the minor details of my life, shares so many of my precious childhood memories, and brings so much joy with her energy and sense of humor.

In literature, the presence of a strong sibling relationship can have a huge impact on a character's journey, in childhood and beyond. Hannah shared her favorite sibling relationships a little over a month ago, and today I'd like to share mine (they all happen to be sisters, but of course brothers are equally important!):


3) The River of Time series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

This series has so much great humor, romance, and adventure, but one of my favorite aspects was the relationship between the sisters, Gabi and Lia. In the first book, Waterfall, they accidentally travel back through time to 14th century Italy, but because their timing is a little off, Gabi spends a significant portion of the book trying to find her sister. For the remainder of the series, they work together to help the family that has taken them in and struggle to decide whether they want to return to the present. I really appreciated that while they definitely have their squabbles, Gabi and Lia would do anything for each other. I also loved that they bond over girly things like pretty dresses, but they also fight side-by-side in ways 14th-century Italians didn't think possible for females, gaining them a reputation as the "She-Wolves of Siena."


2) Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

I love each of the sisters in the Bennett family in her own way, but the relationship between Jane and Elizabeth has always had the greatest impact on me. They are each others' best friend and confidante, and process the events of their lives by discussing them together. Jane's sweetness balances out Elizabeth's wit perfectly, such that they both appreciate and challenge each other. Their every interaction makes me want to be a part of their relationship, too, with their thoughtful conversation, sage advice, and gentle teasing. I find the ending so much more satisfying knowing that Jane and Elizabeth will be able to share their "happily-ever-afters" together.


1) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

In my mind, both the book and movie versions of Little Women illustrate the epitome of what sibling relationships can be. The events in the lives of the March family are nothing out of the ordinary, but the close bond the sisters have with each other makes everything more meaningful. In a time of poverty for their family, the girls make their own fun by creating their own newspaper and putting on "wild theatricals." Together, they find joy in small pleasures, like a special Christmas meal. But they also have conflicts, which are so palpable you can feel Jo's rage when Amy destroys her manuscript and Meg's irritation when Jo ruins her hair. They also struggle with the changes which every family must face - older siblings striking out on their own or getting married, leaving younger siblings behind. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy illustrate the beauty and challenges of sibling relationships in a timeless way that brings me back to their story again and again.



What kind of relationship do you have with your sibling(s)? What sibling relationships in books and movies stand out to you as your favorites?

Thanks for reading!
Laurie


Attributions:
Waterfall: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MT8SK8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Cascade: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052DYEWK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Pride & Prejudice: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/prideandprejudice/images/6/69/Bennet_sisters.jpeg/revision/latest?cb=20110910015723
Little Women: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/littlewomen/images/a/ad/Little_Women_1994.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140617173321