How can I find the best dysfunctional family novels?

One of the best is 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls. It's a memoir that reads like a novel, depicting her chaotic and dysfunctional family life growing up. Another is 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams, which shows the complex and often troubled relationships within a family through the character of Blanche DuBois. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee also has elements of a dysfunctional family as it explores the Finch family's situation in a racially divided town.

To find the best family saga romance novels, consider looking at the works of well - known authors in the genre. Authors like Nora Roberts have written many books that often have elements of family and romance. Social media groups dedicated to reading can also be a great resource. People in these groups often discuss and recommend books. And don't forget to check out the best - seller lists in the relevant categories, as these books are popular for a reason.

They often depict emotional turmoil. The characters in dysfunctional family novels are frequently in a state of emotional distress because of their family circumstances. There can be feelings of abandonment, neglect, or excessive control. For example, in 'Flowers in the Attic', the children face extreme emotional abuse from their mother. Additionally, these novels tend to explore themes of resilience. Despite the difficult family situations, the characters may strive to find their own identity and create a better life for themselves outside the confines of their dysfunctional families.

They can be impactful as they often show the rawness of human relationships. For instance, they make readers reflect on the idea that love isn't always perfect. In a dysfunctional family love story, the characters may still love each other in the midst of chaos and harm.

One way is through therapy. If the family members recognize the problems in the family and are willing to seek professional help, they can start to communicate better. For example, in a family where there was abuse, with the help of a therapist, the abuser can learn to control their anger and the victims can start to heal. Eventually, they can build a more loving and functional relationship.

I would recommend 'Lolita'. The relationship between Humbert Humbert and Lolita is extremely abnormal and the family background and Humbert's actions create a very dysfunctional situation. 'Wuthering Heights' is another. The Earnshaw and Linton families are full of passion, revenge, and dysfunctional relationships. Heathcliff's treatment within the family and his subsequent actions based on his experiences within the family make it a prime example of a dysfunctional family novel.

One common theme is family secrets. In many British dysfunctional family novels, there are things that family members keep hidden from one another, which often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Another theme is the breakdown of traditional family values. As society changes, the old - fashioned ideas of family unity and support start to crumble. For example, in 'Brideshead Revisited', the family's Catholic values are both a binding force and a source of division. Also, power struggles within the family are common. Family members may fight for control, inheritance, or simply for their own way of life, like in 'Howards End' where different family members have different ideas about how to live and what is important.

You can start by looking at the top-rated family story genre on Goodreads. Check out the reviews and ratings of different books. High - rated books usually are quite good. Also, look for books that have won awards in the family or general fiction category.

A great example is 'The Line of Beauty' by Alan Hollinghurst. It depicts the complex relationships in a Conservative - era British family, with themes of homosexuality, social climbing, and family secrets. It shows how these elements can create a rather dysfunctional family environment. 'The Secret Scripture' by Sebastian Barry also has elements of a dysfunctional family. It tells the story of an elderly woman looking back on her life, including her difficult family relationships, and the secrets that have haunted the family for years.

There was a family where the parents were constantly arguing. The father was an alcoholic and would often come home drunk, yelling at the mother. The mother, in her despair, would take it out on the children. The eldest son started to act out in school, getting into fights. The daughter became withdrawn and silent. It was a sad cycle of a dysfunctional family where no one seemed to be happy or at peace.