Female friendships
Women's relationships are underrepresented in SF generally, in part as a consequence of the underrepresentation of female characters and female lives. (need more discussion)
Types of Female Relationships
Female Friendships
- Cordelia Vorkosigan / Alys Vorpatril
- Bujold / Ista & her messenger girl
- women of Cetaganda
- Vonda McIntyre's work
- Darkover
Female Buddies / Compañeras
Female buddies are the female counterparts to classic male buddy relationships such as Frodo and Sam. The relationship involves more than casual or even close friendship; it involves deep love, trust, and affection. There may be mythic elements to it. Sexuality, while often present as a subtext, is not the defining element of the relationship--this distinguishes the mythic buddy relationship from a love relationship.
- Xena / Gabrielle
- Magda / Jaelle (Marion Zimmer Bradley The Shattered Chain)
- Frostflower & Thorn (Phyllis Ann Karr)
- Tarma & Kethrys (Mercedes Lackey)
- Cirocco & Gabby (John Varley's Titan, Wizard, Demon)
Other suggestions
- Poul Anderson Virgin Planet (I can't believe this was suggested but I'm listing it anyway)
- Eleanor Arnason: A Woman of the Iron People
- Marion Zimmer Bradley Avalon series
- Suzy McKee Charnas: Holdfast Chronicles
- Charles de Lint: (various)
- Kate Elliott: Jaran series
- Nicola Griffith: Slow River
- Andrea Hairston: Mindscape
- Laurie Marks: Elemental Logic series
- Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise (Katchoo and Francine)
- Alastair Reynolds: Pushing Ice
- Spider Robinson - Night of Power (wife & stepdaughter); Stardancer series last book (main character & roommate); Lady Calahan in Calahan series
- Don Sakers: Dance for the Ivory Madonna
- Melissa Scott: Trouble and Her Friends
- T. L. Sherred Alien Island
- Jane Yolen: The Mermaid's Three Wisdoms
- Jane Yolen: Sister Light, Sister Dark
About This Entry
History of Inquiry
Netmouse on 2006/9/15 raised the question: Where are all the women friends in SF?, citing as male friendships the examples of Frodo and Sam, Gandalf and Sam, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Yoda and Obi-wan, Spock and Kirk.
Links & References
- http://netmouse.livejournal.com/237254.html Netmouse, 2006/9/15