Alexandra Sheppard, Friendship never ends, Knights of, October 2023, 304 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781913311414
After an embarrassing experience at the end of year fancy dress party, four best friends are split up during their summer holidays throughout which they vow to mature before they start Year 10. Sunita is headed for France with her Mum, brother and her two potential step siblings who all think of her as a big baby. Dawn is set to study at a stage school in London but must decide if she wants to pursue her father’s legacy or create her own. Gifty is in Scotland with her grandparents where she struggles between forming friendships with the “in” crowd or staying true to her creative self. May is stuck at home where she works at her family’s takeaway restaurant but is determined to have a story to share with her friends when they get home. As they promise to stay in touch, each of them must learn to reconcile their unique sparks, quirks and passions with the heavy expectations and pressures that come with being a teenage girl.
This novel incorporates so many great themes that make it a very relatable read for young teenagers. Throughout the novel there are references to the 2020 pandemic and the stress it put on families. It also references many influential people including Harry Styles and Taylor Swift who have become role models for young people. The novel utilises the role of social media and the ability to be connected 24/7 and explores what happens when the crux of modern friendships is taken away. The novel flawlessly reveals inner monologue of a teenage girl and the emotional roller coaster of love, hate, family and friendship without portraying any one of the girls as bratty or self-involved which is very common in books with a first person POV.
This book showcases a great set of characters all with their own skills, talents and ambitions. Each girl has their own chapters dedicated to their storylines. Each chapter is filled with great character building, so we get to learn a lot about their culture and their personal lives. During the first few chapters it was difficult to know who was who, but this challenge resolved itself very quickly as the readers learn all of the ins and outs of each of the girls. By the end of the novel, readers feel a very strong connection to the girls as they sympathise with the struggles of being a 14-year-old girl.
Expect references to the LGBTQ community, and mild displays of affection between characters but overall, a great read with a great message that the closest of friends aren’t going anywhere and they will always be there to support you. Can definitely seeing this as being a very popular book for 12-14 year old girls.
Reviewed by Eloise Marsden
