The Best of Friends (by Joanna Trollope)

(Amazon UK link)

'The Best of Friends' is a modern novel by Joanna Trollope. I have enjoyed the books I have read by this author so far, and am gradually acquiring more.

This story is told from the point of view of Sophie, a teenager whose father decides to move out of the family home. Her hurt is clearly described alongside her mother's pain, which then infects their closest friends. These include Lawrence, who has been Sophie's mother's closest platonic friend for many years.

I thought this was a realistic book, with three-dimensional characters. There are several cleverly interwoven sub-plots to heighten the emotions. There is also a satisfying conclusion without tragedy.

Recommended.

(I also wrote a rather longer review of 'The Best of Friends' after re-reading it fifteen years later)