> Skip to content

Best mums in literature

Books » Our lists » Best mums in literature

The literary mums you wish you could borrow for yourself.

After offering up the worst mums in literature, we thought it’s only fair to follow it up with some books featuring the Best Mums in Literature. This list was much easier to put together. Here are some Mothers who mirror all the selflessness, loyalty, kindness and generosity of our own favourite Mums.

Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Marilla is Anne’s adoptive mother and while she comes across as rather stern and cold at the start, Anne manages to soften Marilla and they go on to share a special bond. Marilla is a no-nonsense kind of woman, but we love her.

Mrs Darling in Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Mrs Darling is a loving wife, and mother to Wendy, John and Michael. She never gives up hope on them returning after they go to Neverland, and when they return she adopts the Lost Boys and treats them like her own sons.

Marmee in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The matriarch of the March household, Marmee helps guide her girls in their pursuits and encourages charitable work and moral behaviour. She’s affectionate, strong and adored by all her family.

Topaz in I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Topaz is the bohemian stepmother of Cassandra. She is supportive, free-spirited and loves everyone.

Mrs Hamley in Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Mrs Hamley is a patient of Molly’s father, and sent Molly to live with the Hamley family at Hamley Hall. Here, Molly and Mrs Hamley form a close bond and Mrs Hamley cares and loves Molly like she was her own daughter.

Lola Quinlan in The Trip of a Lifetime, The Alphabet Sisters and Lola’s Secret by Monica McInerney
The matriarchy of the Quinlan family, Lola is a fiercely loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Everyone needs a Lola Quinlan in their life!