Subject
Dysfunctional families -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jane Austen
Persuasion
"Persuasion" by Jane Austen is a novel published in 1817. Eight years after being persuaded to break off her engagement to naval officer Frederick Wentworth, twenty-seven-year-old Anne Elliot encounters him again when his sister rents her family's estate. Now wealthy and eligible, Wentworth mingles with Anne's social circle while she quietly observes, her feelings unchanged. As misunderstandings unfold and new attachments form, the story explores whether second chances at love are possible when pride and past regrets stand between two hearts.
Charles Dickens
Dombey and Son
"Dombey and Son" by Charles Dickens is a novel published in monthly parts between 1846 and 1848. It follows Paul Dombey, a wealthy shipping firm owner obsessed with having a son to inherit his business, who coldly neglects his devoted daughter Florence. When tragedy strikes and his dreams crumble, Dombey's pride leads him through a loveless second marriage, betrayal, and family ruin. The story explores themes of parental rejection, social class, and the destructive nature of pride in Victorian England.
Marie Corelli
Boy: A Sketch
"Boy: A Sketch" by Marie Corelli is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young child named Boy, who is portrayed with innocence and a sense of wonder amidst the chaotic and disordered life he leads with his neglectful parents, Captain the Honourable D'Arcy-Muir and Mrs. D'Arcy-Muir. The book explores themes of childhood, parental responsibility, and the contrast between innocence and moral degradation. The opening of the narrative introduces Boy in a feeding chair, observing the disarray of his home life as he grapples with the behavior of his drunken father, affectionately known as "Poo Sing." Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding him—highlighted by his father's depravity and his mother's sloth—Boy displays remarkable compassion and naivety. He is comforted by his interactions with “Kiss-Letty” (Miss Letitia Leslie), a gentle and kind woman intrigued by Boy’s potential. As she considers adopting him, the boundaries between his former life and new opportunities begin to blur, establishing a foundation for the story's exploration of his future.
Alice Duer Miller
Things
"Things" by Alice Duer Miller is a psychological drama written in the early 20th century. This book explores the intricacies of family dynamics and the burdens placed on a mother, particularly through the lens of societal expectations and personal sacrifice. It delves into themes of motherhood, selflessness, and the challenges of navigating parent-child relationships in a rapidly changing world. The story centers around Mrs. Royce, a devoted mother who seeks the help of an alienist, Dr. Despard, to understand the troubling behavior of her rebellious daughter, Celia. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Mrs. Royce's intense focus on her family and the myriad responsibilities she shoulders have stunted not only her personal growth but also the emotional health of her children and household staff. Through his observations, Dr. Despard suggests that Mrs. Royce needs to step away from her domestic duties to regain her sense of self, leading to an exploration of what happens when she takes a rest at a sanatorium. The book ultimately examines the delicate balance between the roles of a mother and the need for personal fulfillment, illustrating the profound impact of individual well-being on family life.
George Manville Fenn
Eli's Children: The Chronicles of an Unhappy Family
"Eli's Children: The Chronicles of an Unhappy Family" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a small, close-knit community and revolves around the lives of the Mallow family, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the Reverend Eli Mallow, his troublesome sons, and the village's old customs and conflicts. As tensions rise with the arrival of new ideas and reform attempts within the church, the narrative explores themes of tradition versus innovation, familial duty, and the struggles of maintaining one's place in a changing world. The opening of the novel introduces us to the inhabitants of Lawford, particularly the old church clerk, Sammy Warmoth, who is resistant to the changes proposed by the new rector, Eli Mallow. A conversation between Warmoth and Master Portlock reveals the poor condition of the church and hints at the impending conflicts that the rector's reforms will bring. Meanwhile, Eli Mallow's daughters, Julia and Cynthia, express their excitement upon returning to the countryside after time abroad, while their father's strained relationship with his sons—Frank and Cyril—is established, suggesting an overlay of familial tension that will likely unfold as the narrative progresses. The initial chapters set up a vivid portrayal of village life, foreshadowing a deeper exploration of family and community struggles against the backdrop of change.
Jane Austen
Persuasion
"Persuasion" by Jane Austen is a novel published in 1817. The story follows Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who once broke off her engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth after being persuaded by family and friends. Eight years later, they meet again, both still single. As Anne's family faces financial troubles and Wentworth returns wealthy from war, a second chance at love emerges—but past regrets and misunderstandings stand between them in this mature exploration of lost opportunities and enduring affection.
Charles Dickens
Dombey ja Poika 2
"Dombey ja Poika 2" by Charles Dickens is a novel first published in monthly parts between 1846 and 1848. Paul Dombey, a wealthy shipping firm owner, obsesses over having a son to inherit his business while coldly rejecting his daughter Florence. When tragedy strikes and his dreams crumble, Dombey enters a loveless second marriage that spirals toward scandal and betrayal. Florence, abandoned and heartbroken, must find her own path as her father's pride threatens to destroy everything around him in this tale of family, class, and redemption.
Charles Dickens
Dombey en Zoon
"Dombey en Zoon" by Charles Dickens is a novel first published in monthly parts between 1846 and 1848. It follows Paul Dombey, a wealthy shipping firm owner obsessed with having a son to inherit his business, while coldly rejecting his devoted daughter Florence. When tragedy strikes and his dreams crumble, Dombey's pride leads him through a loveless marriage, betrayal, and devastating loss. This tale explores arranged marriages, social class divisions, and the destructive power of ambition and neglect.
Charles Dickens
Dombey ja Poika 1
"Dombey ja Poika 1" by Charles Dickens is a novel first published in monthly parts between 1846 and 1848. Paul Dombey, a wealthy shipping company owner, obsesses over having a son to inherit his business while coldly rejecting his daughter Florence's love. When his frail son dies young, Dombey enters a loveless marriage with the proud Edith Granger. As betrayal and manipulation unfold through his calculating manager Mr. Carker, the family splinters apart, leaving Florence desperately seeking the affection her father refuses to give.
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