9 Literary Characters Keeping Us Company While We’re Social Distancing

Mona: During dark days, it’s best to turn to a funny friend, and Mona is the perfect character for when you need a good, infectious laugh. Cleaning houses and handing out drug needles to get by, Mona falls for a man she refers to as Mr. Disgusting – who eventually breaks her heart. In an attempt to rebuild her life, Mona ventures off to New Mexico and finds herself amongst a community of fellow misfits. Her wild, strange, and hilarious personality is truly one of a kind. 

Britt-Marie: At first glance, Britt-Marie is socially awkward and uptight. But lurking beneath it all is an imaginative woman with big dreams and an even bigger heart. After walking out on her cheating husband, Britt-Marie begins to rebuild her life in her small, quaint community. As she grapples with her obsessive mental struggles and her tendency to isolate, Britt-Marie ultimately realizes the importance of community. Throughout this story, you’ll find yourself rooting for this likable curmudgeon, as she navigates her new empowering life.  

Park Sheridan: The best kind of friend is the one who accepts you for who you really are. Park, in ELEANOR AND PARK, is that friend. Park is used to hiding in the shadows and keeping to himself. Despite Eleanor’s off-beat appearance and personality, Park is drawn to her, and her presence in his life leads to a new wave of confidence. With a friend like Park to compliment you, you’ll instantly feel accepted. You’ll fall for Park just as quickly as Eleanor, because sometimes all you need in life is someone who brings out your true colors.   

Maud Drennan: If you need a loyal friend, look no further than Maud Drennan. Maud is a dedicated caregiver with an upbeat and happy outward appearance. Despite tragic events from her childhood, she continues to live a life of comfortable solitude.  But when Mr. Flood enters the picture, Maud’s entire life is turned around. Mr. Flood is the lone occupant of an old gothic mansion, and Maud is his last hope of maintaining a normal life with a caregiver before his son sends him off to a home. Maud’s loyal nature steps up for the challenge, and the unlikely pair soon form a bond. Complete with dark humor and delightful enchantment, MRS. FLOOD’S LAST RESORT shows what it truly means to have a loyal companion.   

Rosemary Peterson: Rosemary Peterson is the perfect friend talk for hours with. And with this newfound time on our hands, her stories are just the company we’re looking for. Between all the recent changes taking place in her hometown of Brixton, London, Rosemary is left reminiscing about how times used to be. A local reporter, Kate Matthews, is assigned to cover the closing of Rosemary’s beloved community pool, where she swims daily. As Kate writes a lovely profile of Rosemary, the two form an unexpected, yet nourishing friendship. Pick up a copy of MORNINGS WTH ROSEMARY and feel completely immersed in the friendship between these two women. 

Willowdean:  Willowdean is fearless, funny, and the positive best friend we all need. As a self-proclaimed “fat-girl,” Willowdean is all about self-love and body positivity. She is the uplifting friend to get us through our darkest days. That is, until a boy comes along. When she becomes smitten with hot, former jock, Bo, Willowdean immediately begins to doubt herself. In an attempt to win back her confidence, Willowdean enters into the Miss Clover City beauty pageant. As her story unfolds, Willowdean proves to the world that she deserves to feel beautiful and loved, just as much as any other girl does. 

Languoreth:  Sometimes the best friend is the one who will push us out of our comfort zone and into a great adventure. Set in ancient Scotland, THE LOST QUEEN follows a powerful woman, who we would love to call our literary friend, Languoreth. Languoreth ruled during a time of enormous disruption, when the burgeoning forces of Christianity threatened to obliterate the ancient pagan beliefs. As a war ensues, Languoreth and her twin brother are backed by the hero, Emrys Pendragon, and handsome warrior, Maelgwn. This story is complete with love, passion, and perseverance as Languoreth fights to preserve her kingdom.   

Emmy:  Emmy is unflappable, kind, and plucky with a capital P. She is the compassionate friend who cheers you on and gives you advice, good or bad, in earnest and with the best intentions. During the Blitz, she applies for a job with a newspaper, hoping it will help her become a War Correspondent. It turns out to be a post helping Mrs. Bird, the advice columnist, answer letters — but Mrs. Bird refuses to answer letters about “unpleasantness,” which accounts for most letters that come through. So what does Emmy do? She begins to reply as Mrs. Bird, of course! Her relationship with her best friend Bunty also demonstrates why she’d be an excellent friend: she Cares, deeply, and will support others in whatever way she can during their darkest days.

Mikey Callahan:  Mikey is a genuinely good character than any one of us would be lucky to call a friend. The story begins with Mikey reconnecting to his childhood mates, “The Gunners,” after one has tragically committed suicide. Before her death, Sally distanced herself from her former playmates, harboring long-held secrets. Realizing he must confront these secrets himself before the darkness gets the best of him, Mikey and his remaining friends being their search for the truth. Through it all they grow closer than ever and learn the true, root meaning of friendship.