My Best Friend's Girl (novel)
My Best Friend's Girl is a novel published in 2006 by Dorothy Koomson. Its popularity surged notably after being shortlisted for Richard and Judy's Summer Reads. The narrative centers on Kamryn Matika, who discovers that her closest friend Adele is terminally ill and wishes for Kamryn to become the guardian of her daughter, Tegan. The book delves into themes such as mortality, mourning, purity, and reconciliation. The title alludes to the 1976 track "My Best Friend's Girl" by The Cars.
Plot
Kamryn Matika, a 32-year-old national marketing manager at a department store located in Leeds, is informed by her estranged best friend Adele Brannon that she is suffering from terminal cancer. Despite past conflicts—Adele had a child with Kamryn’s ex-partner—Kamryn chooses to visit her in the hospital. Adele asks Kamryn to take custody of her five-year-old daughter, Tegan.
Following a brief meeting with Adele, Kamryn retrieves Tegan from the care of Adele’s abusive father and stepmother, who only release the child after Kamryn threatens legal action. Tegan is initially timid and withdrawn, but Kamryn starts providing stability through consistent caregiving routines. Soon after, Adele passes away overnight, leaving Kamryn responsible for informing Tegan, who initially struggles to accept the loss.
Facing various obstacles, including societal prejudice against Kamryn as a black woman raising a white child, they move to Leeds. Kamryn develops a romantic connection with her new employer, Luke, particularly after an incident where she inadvertently leaves Tegan behind at a playgroup.
Complications ensue when Nate, Kamryn’s former partner and Tegan’s biological father, reenters their lives. He gradually becomes involved with Tegan, organizing her sixth birthday party—an event that concludes with an allergic reaction requiring hospital care. A kiss between Kamryn and Nate is witnessed by Luke, resulting in their breakup.
Eighteen months later, Luke returns to reconnect with Kamryn and Tegan, suggesting they may reconcile. Tegan is formally adopted by Kamryn, and they plan to add a pet cat to their family.
Characters
Kamryn Matika, aged 32 and residing in Leeds, confronts difficulties in adopting Tegan. Having endured bullying due to her size, she exhibits insecurities and distrust toward men. By the conclusion of the story, she becomes Tegan’s legal guardian.
Adele Brannon (formerly Lucinda-Jayne Adele Hamilton-Mackenzie), Kamryn’s best friend for fourteen years and biological mother of Tegan, comes from an affluent background but suffered abuse following her mother’s death. She had Tegan after a one-night encounter with Kamryn’s fiancé Nate. After two years of estrangement from Kamryn, Adele dies early in the narrative due to terminal cancer.
Luke Wiseman is Kamryn’s employer and eventual romantic partner. Raised in care following a teenage pregnancy, he is protective of Tegan and treats her like his own daughter, especially upon Nate’s reappearance.
Nate Turner, ex-fiancé of Kamryn and biological father of Tegan, experiences emotional turmoil upon learning about his daughter. His efforts to engage with Tegan are motivated by his wish to reconcile with Kamryn.
Tegan Brannon is the daughter of Adele and Nate, aged between five and seven during the events of the novel. Despite losing her mother, she forms a deep attachment to Kamryn.