Our favourite books about siblings
Lying alone in a London hospital bed in her twilight years, bestselling author Claudia Hampton remembers back over her life, her loves and her losses. Central in her mind is the brief affair she had with Tom, a British tank commander in Egypt during the War, but also her close relationship with her brother Gordon. The sibling relationship in Moon Tiger serves as a microcosm of the complexities of human connection, exploring the blurred lines between intimacy and rivalry.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Doomed to repeat her life until her ultimate purpose is realised, Ursula Todd witnesses the bloody history of the 20th century unfold from countless perspectives. The specter of her brother Teddy, destined for his own extraordinary path, fuels her determination as she navigates a labyrinth of possibilities to achieve her final goal.
(read Teddy's story in the companion novel,A God in Ruins)
When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman
From the magic of childhood to the brutal realities of adulthood, Elly and Joe's story is a testament to the enduring power of siblings. When God Was a Rabbit is a charming and poignant novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, and family against a backdrop of quirky, warm hearted characters and unexpected twists.
The first book that would go onto become the phenomenon we know as Bridgerton, this is Daphne and Simon's story and while it rightfully centres on the couple, the Bridgerton family occupy the back drop in all their pomp and circumstance, and ofcourse, get their own time in the spotlight in later books. The good news for fans of the show is that Julia Quinn has written a lot of Bridgerton titles, including books centering on Lady Whistledown and other supporting characters.
A powerful and delicately balanced story of sibling love that transcends continents and beliefs. A retelling of Sophocles' classic Greek tragedy, Antigone, Home Fire revolves around the Pasha family, a Muslim family living in England in a post-9/11 world. Central to the plot is the dynamic between the three siblings: Isma, the eldest and maternal figure; Aneeka, the beautiful and rebellious sister; and Parvaiz, the troubled and conflicted youngest. Their lives are intertwined with the legacy of their absent, extremist father and the political climate in which they live.
Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly
Greta & Valdin is a poignant portrayal of millennial life in Auckland. Balancing love, family, work, and study, the characters navigate the complexities of modern existence with relatable authenticity and genuine warmth and feeling. Reilly's endearing and eccentric family provide a heartwarming counterpoint to the pressures of everyday life, bringing both laughter and thought-provoking moments.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game is a seminal exploration of war and humanity but it is also a deeply human story about family and power. The dynamic between Ender Wiggan, his manipulative and sociopathic brother Peter, and their visionary sister Valentine is a driving force that propels the narrative and ultimately determines the course of human history.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The relationship between Jem and Scout Finch is a cornerstone of this classic novel. It's a dynamic that evolves throughout the novel, mirroring the characters’ growth and maturation. The siblings lean on each other for support, finding comfort and strength in their relationship and their shared experiences, particularly as the trial of Tom Robinson shapes their understanding of the world and their place in it.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Susan, Lucy, Edmund and Peter Pevensie have inspired generations of children to climb into the wardrobe and seek out magic in far off worlds. These children are not merely passive observers in Narnia; they are active participants in its history, ushering in, as Kings and Queen, a Golden Age. Their actions shape the fate of the land and its inhabitants. It's their courage, loyalty, and belief in good that ultimately triumph over evil in this classic children's series.
Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin
The saga of Westeros is fundamentally a story of siblings. The unwavering loyalty of the Stark children, the often toxic bonds of the Lannisters, and the power-hungry alliances of the Targaryen dynasty all exemplify how familial bonds, whether forged in loyalty or rivalry, ultimately determine the fate of a realm.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett's grasp of the nuances of family relationships give her novels gravitas and emotional depth. Here, siblings Maeve and Daniel must navigate the world without their beloved mother after she dies suddenly. Intelligent and accomplished they find solace only in each other's company as they navigate lives shaped by The Dutch House, a childhood home violently taken from them. With equal measures of wit and bitterness, they revisit the past, a familiar story filled with both humor and heartache as they are forced to confront the architects of their childhood trauma.
