Bringing you book siblings! National Brothers and Sisters Day, observed on May 2, is a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. This special day provides an opportunity to reflect on the memories shared and appreciate the relationships that only siblings can have. Fiction has captured some fantastic sibling interactions from wild antics to heartwarming moments. We have ten to share with you.
Book Siblings
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana
In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is the guardian of his younger sister Georgiana and protected her from an attempted seduction by George Wickham who was only after her money. Mr. Darcy encourages his sister’s her musical interests of the piano and purchases her one. He shows a willingness to balance duty with emotion and it is clear that he is devoted to Georgiana’s happiness.
Faramir and Boromir
These brothers from Lord of the Rings help explore the themes of the burdens of expectations, and familial support and admiration of one another. Though they are apart for much of the story, there’s a clear connection and love between the two. Faramir even sees a vision of Boromir floating down the River Anduin after his death. “he died well, achieving some good thing” – oh our hearts!
Pevensies Children
Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy are the four children in the Chronicles of Narnia. Despite their typical sibling-squabbles, their bond continues through the story of one of support (although at times misguided, protecting a sibling coming off as not trusting them). Edmond arguably has the most growth as a character and his relationship with the others. Who hasn’t wanted to do something because their brother or sister made them angry? Unfortunately, in the land of Narnia this act of sibling defiance lands Edmond betraying his siblings to the White Witch. However, his loyalty to his siblings grows stronger, and he ultimately betrays the White Witch to support his family. And the others learn to trust their youngest sister, Lucy, instead of doubting her just because she’s little.
Kalis and Lyna
In Trials of the Innermost, the Truthseeker Kalis has to leave his sister Lyna behind. Though several years younger, Lyna is Kalis’s sometimes-confidante and frequent advisor. His recent military and academic pursuits have lessened their time together, which both siblings lament in a touching scene as they sit by their city’s underground lake. She also has an uncanny knack at reaching into Kalis’s heart, predicting some feelings he might have for his close friend that he doesn’t realize yet himself. As he leaves for the Trials, Kalis laments that he would sorely miss Lyna’s company and guidance.
James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna
This sister trio comes from The Once and Future Witches. These estranged Eastwood siblings work to repair their relationships while also attempt to build a community of women to take back their lost powers. While their past actions separated them and shaped their current motivations, the sisters clearly care for one another even when they don’t always agree with each other’s actions. Watching the three try to heal the broken bond between them certainly tugs at the heart strings.
Jacen and Jaina Solo – Star Wars
The twin children of Han Solo and Princess Leia might not be canon anymore (boo, Disney), but they had one of the longest and most fascinating character arcs in the Star Wars Legends universe. Jaina grappled with destiny from a young age when a prophecy dubbed her the “Sword of the Jedi.” Meanwhile, her brother helped the Jedi enter a new era by embracing the Unifying Force–before he became a Sith Lord. And that’s just one segment of their story.
Ava and Willow
In Not Your Type, Ava has spent most of her life playing mom to her younger sister, as their mother, while loving, is also neglectful. While healing from her own trauma, these roles reverse, and Willow begins caring for Ava. Which is the biggest sign that Willow is grown and capable, and it’s okay for Ava to think more about herself.
Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire
A Series of Unfortunate Events remains one of our favorite children’s book series. It provides a dark counterpoint to the light-hearted, fantastical adventures of other tales. The siblings’ perseverance and fortitude through the loss of their parents and new life with the wicked Count Olaf teach us the power of standing together. There’s also a television and movie adaptation to check out.
Lucy and William
In Black Sails to Sunward, Lucy’s brother William is a non-speaking autistic artist. He has always been her chief confidant. When the family home is threatened, she vows to save it so that he will have a safe place to live, whatever happens to her.
Meg and Charles Wallace Murry
Madeleine L’Engle’s enduring story of siblings who go on an interdimensional quest to save their parents holds a special place in our hearts. Throughout A Wrinkle in Time, Meg and Charles Wallace struggle with fitting in and wanting to be ‘normal’ while destiny keeps insisting otherwise. Their bond proves to be their saving grace at the climax of the story when the fate of all worlds is at stake.
Ender and Valentine Wiggins
The relationship between the titular character of Ender’s Game and his sister plays a pivotal role in the story’s trajectory. Valentine grounds Ender and reminds him of the importance of displaying empathy even to his worst enemies. Their relationship poignantly depicts how no one, even a genius, can go through life alone.
Bonus!
Rin and Sakura Tohsaka
A non-book for you. Anyone who has watched the Fate/Stay Night anime series knows the tragic tale of these sisters. In the world of Fate, mage families can only pass on their magical power to a single child. The Tohsaka family’s inheritance belonged to Rin by birth, but her younger sister also displayed great talent. Their father’s solution was to send Sakura away to another mage family who needed a prodigy, and so the sisters grew up aware of their loss but were forbidden to speak of it. That, however, is not the end of their story.
What fantastic siblings have you encountered in your reading?