What are the common themes in fictional books about dysfunctional families?

Another theme is the impact of racism. Racism from the outside world seeps into the family, causing internal strife. For example, it can make family members feel inferior or lead to different reactions among them, some becoming bitter while others try to resist in different ways. This often creates a dysfunctional dynamic within the family. It's not just about the external discrimination but how the family copes or fails to cope with it. And this can be seen in many works that explore black families dealing with dysfunction.

Sure. 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver is a disturbing yet thought - provoking fictional account of a mother dealing with her son's heinous acts and reflecting on their family's complex and dysfunctional dynamics. It delves deep into the psychological aspects of family relationships. Also, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger can be considered in a way as it shows Holden Caulfield's struggle within his family environment and his disillusionment with the world which is related to the family's influence on him.

Often, there's a sense of chaos. For example, in 'The Glass Castle', the family is constantly on the move due to the father's inability to hold a job and his erratic behavior. This creates an unstable environment for the children.

One such book is 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison. It delves into the complex lives of a black family and the impact of society's beauty standards on them. The story shows the dysfunction within the family as a result of various external and internal pressures.

One great book is 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls. It's a memoir that reads like fiction. It tells the story of Walls' upbringing in a very dysfunctional family, with an alcoholic father and a mother who was often neglectful yet also had her own brand of eccentricity.

Exclusion is also a theme. There could be a family where one member is always left out. At Christmas, they are not included in the family photo or are given the least attention. This makes them feel unwanted and adds to the dysfunction of the family during the holiday season.

One common theme could be communication breakdown. In a dysfunctional family, members often struggle to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Another theme might be power struggles, like parents trying to control every aspect of their children's lives or siblings competing for parental attention. Also, secrets are often prevalent, as family members may hide things from each other to avoid confrontation or judgment.

One common theme is power struggle. For example, in many stories, parents may try to dominate their children, leading to a lot of family unrest. Another theme is lack of communication. Family members often don't talk openly about their feelings or problems, which makes the situation worse. And secrets, like in 'A Rose for Emily', family secrets can be a huge source of dysfunction.

A third theme could be the presence of a difficult family member. This could be someone with an addiction, like alcohol or drugs, or just a very negative or controlling person. Their behavior can disrupt the whole family dynamic during the holidays and make it a really unpleasant time for everyone.

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.