Books matching: family trauma
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- #1
Save:Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough is a psychological thriller that follows Emma Averell, a successful attorney haunted by her past. As her fortieth birthday approaches, memories of her mother's psychotic breakdown resurface, leading to her own struggles with insomnia. Emma's disturbing behavior and sleepless nights cause tension with her family, who question her sanity. The book delves into themes of family trauma, psychological unraveling, and the blurred lines between reality and madness. With unexpected plot twists and unreliable characters, Insomnia keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of the human mind and the impact of past traumas on present-day lives.
- #2
Save:'The Beauty of Your Face' by Sahar Mustafah is a compelling and emotional novel that follows the journey of Afaf Rahman, a Palestinian American woman, as she navigates racism, family trauma, and religious discrimination in America. The story alternates between the present-day, where Afaf faces a mass shooting at the Muslim school she leads, and the past, delving into her childhood experiences and struggles. Through rich characters and poignant storytelling, the book explores themes of faith, family, identity, and the challenges of assimilation as an immigrant in the U.S. Mustafah's writing style is described as nuanced, detailed, and ultimately hopeful, offering a suspenseful and enlightening read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Afaf Rahman inhaled deeply. She had cultivated a reputation for patience as principal of the Nurrideen School for Girls. This wasn’t the first complaint lodged against a book. “The Great Gatsby is a s... - #3
Save:'The Mermaids Singing' by Lisa Carey is a multigenerational novel set in two different countries, focusing on three women from different generations - Cliona, Grace, and Grainne. The story delves into themes of familial bonds, emotional journeys, and the ties between the women. The writing style is described as enchanting, with lovely, descriptive language capturing the rhythm of island life well. The narrative is told from multiple narrators' points of view, including some in flashback, creating a beautiful tale cycling unbeknownst to the characters in their own voices.
It is only at night now that she has the strength to wander. Rising quietly, so as not to disturb her lover, Grace pulls a sweater over her pajamas, slips her feet into running sneakers. Stephen had b... - #4
Save:'The Fall' by Bethany Griffin is a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher', focusing on the Usher family curse that affects Madeline and her twin brother, Roderick. The story delves into the eerie and gothic atmosphere of a sentient house that controls the family's fate, with Madeline struggling to escape its torment and destruction. The narrative alternates between past memories and present events, unraveling the dark secrets of the Usher family and their haunted dwelling.
But something else is wrong; I try to move, and though I don’t seem to be paralyzed, my arms are pinned tightly to my sides. My brain is slow; the horror saturates me gradually. I struggle, twist to t... - #5
Save:A Heart of Stone by Renate Dorrestein is a gripping and heartbreaking story that unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the tragic events that haunted Ellen since her 12th birthday. The author masterfully weaves past and present events, slowly unraveling a tale of family turmoil, alienation, and ultimately, redemption. Through haunting details and a sense of impending doom, the reader is taken on a journey towards salvation, as Ellen confronts the demons of her past and strives to find her true self.
Ellen's story is one of a happy family shattered by a heinous crime, with the narrative delving into themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the lasting impact of trauma. The book paints a vivid picture of a once idyllic family life turned macabre, as Ellen grapples with her memories, her relationships, and her journey towards healing and self-discovery.
There were already four of us by the time Ida arrived, on an unusually cold summer’s night. Thanks to a nearly full moon, it was still so bright out at two A.M. that we could count the freckles on eac... - #6
Save:Luna and the Lie by Mariana Zapata follows the story of Luna Allen, who had a difficult upbringing but managed to build a life for herself, taking care of her siblings and finding solace in her work at a repair garage. The book explores Luna's journey of personal growth, her developing friendship with her grumpy boss, Lucas Ripley, and the slow burn romance that blossoms between them. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on the gradual progression of the relationship between Luna and Ripley, as well as the emotional depth and relatability of the characters.
If I had to guess why I was the lucky winner of that mouth being turned down, it might have been because I’d had my eyes closed for… I glanced at my old but faithful G-Shock watch... the last twenty m... - #7Skinnyby:
Save:'Skinny' by Ibi Kaslik is a novel that delves into the lives of two sisters, Giselle and Holly, as they navigate through the challenges of anorexia and family dynamics. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, providing a deep insight into the struggles of Giselle, a brilliant but self-destructive medical student battling anorexia, and Holly, a young track star trying to understand and cope with her sister's illness. The book explores themes of family relationships, loss, self-destruction, and the impact of anorexia on both the individual and those around them. The writing style incorporates alternating chapters from the sisters' viewpoints, creating a poignant and authentic narrative that captivates readers and offers a unique portrayal of the complexities of eating disorders.
Holly does three perfect cartwheels: arms arched and nearly straight, her body star-shaped, her mismatched socks folded over her high-top basketball sneakers, the kind all her fourteen-year-old friend... - #8
Save:The Year We Hid Away follows the story of Scarlet and Bridger, two individuals with troubled pasts and deep secrets who find solace in each other's company at Harkness College. Scarlet, running from a traumatic home life and a scandal involving her father, seeks anonymity under a new identity. Bridger, once a carefree hockey player, now shoulders the responsibility of caring for his young sister while juggling multiple part-time jobs and a heavy school workload. As their friendship blossoms into a romance, they navigate the challenges of trust, secrets, and personal struggles, ultimately finding strength and support in each other.
I didn’t need to look out the window to check that my parents were driving away. When there are three news vans parked on the edge of your lawn, you don’t raise that door frivolously. Over the past ye...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Ivy Years ) - #9Fluxby:
Save:In "Flux" by Jinwoo Chong, the story follows three characters - Bo, Brandon, and Blue - who are revealed to be the same person at different stages of their lives. The book delves into themes of memory, trauma, and identity, exploring the interconnected lives of these characters as they navigate through grief, deception, and the cyclical nature of life. Through elements of mystery, sci-fi, and speculative fiction, the narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, blending timelines and perspectives to create a haunting and engaging tale. Readers are taken on a journey that challenges perceptions of reality and the boundaries of time, ultimately culminating in a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion.
The writing style of "Flux" is praised for its depth and complexity, seamlessly weaving together multiple storylines and character perspectives. The author skillfully incorporates elements of nostalgia, familial relationships, and generational trauma, creating a narrative that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. With a mix of speculative elements and character-driven storytelling, the book offers a unique exploration of identity, memory, and the power of choice in shaping one's destiny.
- #10
Save:'Divisadero' by Michael Ondaatje is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of three primary characters - Anna, Coop, and Claire. The story spans across different time frames and locations, from farm country in Northern California to the countryside of France pre-WW1. Ondaatje explores themes of love, family, writing, and personal fate through the lens of these characters, creating a narrative that delves into the mystery of life and hidden truths.
The novel is characterized by its poetic writing style, with atmospheric imagery that reads almost like poetry. Ondaatje skillfully crafts intersecting plots, hazy connections, and complex character relationships, creating a narrative that explores the interconnected paths of life, the meaning of family, and the struggles of individual existence.
