Platonic Friendship and Sisterhood: A Feminist Reading of Kamila Shamsie’s Best of Friends

Abstract

This study analyzes the work of Kamila Shamsie’s, Best of Friends, to explore the dynamics of platonic friendship and sisterhood between the female protagonists employing the “theory of feminism” based on Plato’s concept of friendship along with Bell Hook’s idea of sisterhood. The analysis portrays the efforts and role of the two main characters of the novel in maintaining their relationship and trying to support one another in a male dominant society where females are not safe. This study probes into the novel through the lens of feminism, platonic friendship (Plato) and sisterhood (Bell Hooks, 2000). It underscores the strong connection between Zahra and Maryam mapping the evolution of their relationship from childhood to adulthood. A series of events test their sincerity in return shaping their friendship dynamics.