Books matching: complex family struggles
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'My Brother's Name is Jessica' by John Boyne explores the challenges faced by a family when one of their members comes out as transgender. The story delves into themes of acceptance, identity, and the impact of societal norms on personal relationships. The narrative is told through the eyes of the main character's family members, highlighting their struggles and emotions as they navigate this significant change in their lives. The writing style is described as realistic, with believable characters and a plot that unfolds logically, capturing the complexities of having a trans family member.
There’s a story I’ve heard many times about how my brother Jason got the scar that runs above his left eye, almost parallel with his eyebrow. He was four years old when I was born, and he’d wanted a b... The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova is a magical realism novel that follows the Montoya family as they gather to receive their inheritance from the matriarch, Orquidea Divina. The book delves into family secrets, generational wisdom, and pain, combining elements of magic, a circus, and mystical realism. Through dual timelines and alternating perspectives, the story explores the complexities of family dynamics, the struggle to connect with one's roots, and the interplay between reality and the mystical.
The narrative weaves together past and present, revealing Orquidea's magical powers, the mysterious gifts she leaves behind, and the challenges her family faces as they uncover the truth about her life and their own destinies. The book is praised for its rich imagery, strong characterization, and the seamless blending of magical elements with themes of love, family, and cultural heritage.
For many mornings, there had been nothing but barren land. Then one day, there was a house, a woman, her husband, and a rooster. The Montoyas arrived in the town of Four Rivers in the middle of the ni...- #3
Save:"All Manner of Things" by Susie Finkbeiner is a poignant novel set in Michigan during the Vietnam War era, focusing on a family in a small town grappling with the effects of war, love, and faith. The story follows Annie, a young woman in 1967, as she navigates the challenges of her family's past, her brother's experiences in Vietnam, and the complexities of life in a tumultuous time. Through expert storytelling and well-crafted characters, the author captures the essence of the '60s with a raw and powerful narrative that delves into themes of family, war, faith, and hope.
The author, Susie Finkbeiner, skillfully weaves together the historical backdrop of the 1960s with a family's intimate struggles and triumphs, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant tale. The writing style is described as literary, with a perfect balance of straightforwardness and understated tone that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Through letters exchanged between characters, Finkbeiner adds a unique touch to the narrative, offering a deeper insight into the characters' emotions and relationships, making the reader feel truly immersed in the time period and the characters' lives.
- #4
Save:In "Death Is Hard Work" by Khaled Khalifa, the novel follows the journey of three siblings, Bolbol, Hussein, and Fatima, as they transport their father's decaying body back to his ancestral village in war-torn Syria. The narrative delves into the family's complex dynamics, individual histories, and the impact of the Syrian civil war on their lives. Through the harrowing journey, the siblings confront their own struggles, the brutality of their surroundings, and the weight of fulfilling their father's last wish, all while navigating through a landscape of chaos and despair. The book blends elements of dark humor, profound reflections on life and death, and a stark portrayal of the psychological toll of living in a war zone.
The writing style of the novel is described as elegant, lean, and well-crafted, reminiscent of the classic work "As I Lay Dying." Khalifa intricately weaves together the interwoven family stories to offer a glimpse into the human experience amidst conflict and loss. The narrative unfolds through a meandering yet poignant lens, capturing the essence of the characters' struggles, the harsh realities of war, and the profound impact of familial obligations in the face of adversity.
Two hours before he died, Abdel Latif al-Salim looked his son Bolbol straight in the eye with as much of his remaining strength as he could muster and repeated his request to be buried in the cemetery... - #5
Save:'BROKEN HARBOR' by Tana French is a psychological mystery thriller that follows Detective Mick Kennedy as he investigates the murder of a family in a failed real estate development. The story delves into the impacts of the economic crisis, unraveling the perfect facade of the family and exploring themes of psychological struggles and personal connections. Through a character-driven narrative, the book weaves together a complex plot with layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and a haunting atmosphere.
The writing style of Tana French in 'BROKEN HARBOR' is described as beautifully written and insightful, capturing the fragility of human relationships and the psychological depths of the characters. The novel is praised for its intricate storytelling, engaging plot twists, and well-developed characters, as it delves into the complexities of the murder investigation and the personal lives of the detectives involved.
Let’s get one thing straight: I was the perfect man for this case. You’d be amazed how many of the lads would have run a mile, given the choice—and I had a choice, at least at the start. A couple of t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dublin Murder Squad ) - #6
Save:Indian Burial Ground is Nick Medina's second novel, which unfolds on a reservation across two timelines: the mid-1980s and the present day. The story starts with Noemi, who faces a tragedy with her boyfriend's death, introducing readers to a community burdened by trauma, alcoholism, and complex family dynamics. Major characters include her uncle Louie, whose teenage experiences reveal chilling folklore and the challenges of maintaining balance in life, weaving elements of horror with deep psychological themes.
The writing style alternates between present and past perspectives, capturing the struggles of both Louie and Noemi as they navigate their haunted family history. Medina's prose effectively blends Indigenous folklore with stark realities, creating a narrative filled with tension and emotional depth. This impactful storytelling resonates with issues facing Indigenous peoples while delivering moments of genuine horror, making it a unique and compelling read.
- #7
Save:"The Crane Husband" by Kelly Barnhill is a captivating blend of magical realism and dark themes, offering a contemporary retelling of the Japanese folk story, The Crane Wife. The story follows a teenage girl who struggles to protect her family from the brutality of her artist mother's new boyfriend, a six-foot crane with mysterious intentions. Through sparse yet emotionally impactful language, the author delves into themes of love, neglect, trauma, and the cycle of abuse, set against a backdrop of a not-so-distant future where tradition clashes with modernity.
The narrative is told from the perspective of the resilient young protagonist, providing a unique and engaging insight into the complexities of family dynamics and the quest for freedom from oppressive forces. With a whimsical yet eerie atmosphere, the novel weaves together elements of love, sacrifice, obligation, and the struggles of breaking free from generational patterns of abuse, leaving readers haunted by its raw and thought-provoking exploration of dark truths.
- #8
Save:Unveiled by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Ash Turner, who reveals the current duke's bigamous marriage, making himself the heir. Margaret, the duke's daughter, disguises herself as a nurse and becomes entangled in a complex web of family secrets and love. The book explores themes of loyalty, love, self-worth, and complicated family relationships, all set in a regency-era backdrop with unique and multidimensional characters.
The estate he would inherit was laid out in the valley before him. Stone walls and green hedges hugged the curves of the limestone hill where his horse stood, breaking the brilliant apple-green growth... - #9
Save:'Picture Me and You' in the series 'A Devil's Kettle Romance' by Susan Sey is a romance novel set in the small town of Devil's Kettle. The story follows Addy, a young widow, and her growing relationship with Jax, her late husband's brother. The plot includes elements of mystery, intrigue, and family secrets, with a touch of humor. The writing style of the author is engaging, with well-developed characters and realistic dialogue that keeps the readers' attention throughout the book.
- #10
Save:"Little & Lion" by Brandy Colbert is a heartfelt story that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and mental health. The novel follows Suzette and Lionel, step-siblings with a close bond, as they navigate their own unique set of challenges. Suzette, a Black Jewish teenager, struggles with her sexuality, while Lionel grapples with bipolar disorder. The story unfolds in Los Angeles, exploring themes of blended families, sexuality, mental illness, and the intersectionality of race and religion. The writing style is described as beautiful, capturing the realities of teenage experiences with clarity and authenticity.
The narrative skillfully weaves together the struggles and growth of the characters, touching on issues such as feminism, racism, and the complexities of family relationships. Through Suzette's perspective, the story addresses diverse topics like step-sibling trust dynamics, sexuality exploration, and the impact of mental illness on a family. portrays a realistic portrayal of teenage life, where characters face challenges, make mistakes, and ultimately find hope amidst their struggles.
I’m standing outside LAX on a sun-soaked afternoon in early June when my brother’s navy-blue sedan screeches to a halt a few feet away. Part of me doesn’t mind that he’s thirty minutes late, because I...
