The Greatest "Fiction, Mothers & Children" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 284 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Mothers & Children

The "Mothers & Children" category in literature encompasses a diverse range of books that delve into the intricate and profound relationship between mothers and their offspring. This genre explores the joys, challenges, and complexities of motherhood, as well as the developmental journey of children under the nurturing influence of maternal figures. From heartwarming tales of unconditional love, sacrifice, and bonding to more nuanced narratives that address issues such as identity, independence, and the impact of maternal relationships on personal growth, this category offers readers a deep emotional connection and insights into family dynamics. It includes memoirs, parenting guides, fiction, and psychological studies, providing a multifaceted look at the various stages and facets of the mother-child bond, making it a rich resource for anyone interested in the emotional tapestry of family life.

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  1. 1. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

    A woman searches for her kidnapped daughter in a world ravaged by a catastrophic climate change event known as the Fifth Season. Simultaneously, the narrative follows a young girl with destructive powers and a man struggling to control his own similar abilities. The story explores themes of oppression, survival, and the destructive power of nature, all set in a dystopian world where the earth is constantly in flux, and society is strictly divided and controlled.

  2. 2. Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill

    "Dept. of Speculation" follows the story of a woman navigating her life as a writer, a wife, and a mother. The novel explores her journey through marriage, motherhood, and the struggles of maintaining her own identity amidst these roles. It also delves into the hardships of dealing with infidelity and the complexities of love and relationships. The narrative is presented in fragmented pieces, reflecting the protagonist's scattered thoughts and emotions.

  3. 3. The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

    "The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.

  4. 4. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

    "Hamnet" is a deeply moving and beautifully written historical novel that reimagines the life of a young boy, Hamnet, who is the son of a glovemaker in Stratford-upon-Avon. The boy tragically dies at the age of 11, which leaves a profound impact on his family, particularly his father, who is inspired to write one of the world's most famous plays. The narrative alternates between the time leading up to Hamnet's death and the aftermath, providing an intimate portrait of grief, love, and the power of art.

  5. 5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

    The novel is a vibrant portrayal of the lives of twelve different characters, primarily black British women, spanning over a century. Each character has their own unique story, tackling issues such as feminism, politics, sexuality, and identity. The narrative is a blend of poetry and prose, exploring the interconnected lives of these women and their personal struggles and triumphs. It is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and the changing face of Britain.

  6. 6. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

    The book revolves around the Richardson family and the mysterious mother-daughter duo who move into their rental home in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The lives of the seemingly perfect suburban Richardson family become intertwined with the lives of Mia Warren, an enigmatic artist, and her daughter Pearl. As the children of both families form relationships, secrets are uncovered, leading to a dramatic climax. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the moral complexities of following rules versus following one's instincts.

  7. 7. Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

    "Flight Behavior" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the effects of climate change on a small town in Appalachia. The story centers around a young woman who stumbles upon a forest filled with a massive population of monarch butterflies, which have migrated there due to changing weather patterns. This unusual event brings a flurry of scientists, reporters, and religious leaders to the town, causing upheaval in the community and forcing the protagonist to reevaluate her understanding of the world.

  8. 8. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

    "Demon Copperhead" is a short story by Barbara Kingsolver about a young woman named Codi who returns to her small hometown in Arizona to care for her father, who is dying of Alzheimer's disease. As she reconnects with her past and the people in her community, Codi discovers a dark secret about her family's history and must come to terms with the truth. The story explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of the past on the present.

  9. 9. All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

    All My Puny Sorrows is a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between two sisters, one a successful concert pianist battling severe depression and the other a struggling writer trying to support her. The narrative delves into themes of mental illness, suicide, love, and the power of familial bonds. It grapples with the moral and ethical questions surrounding assisted suicide, the struggle to understand a loved one's pain, and the lengths to which one might go to help them find peace.

  10. 10. My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

    The novel is a deeply moving exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. The protagonist, Lucy Barton, is recovering from a surgery in a New York hospital when she is visited by her estranged mother. Over the course of several days, they share stories from their past, revealing their troubled family history, poverty, and abuse. As Lucy grapples with her own identity and struggles to understand her mother, she also reflects on her own experiences as a wife and mother, her desire to become a writer, and her battle with a mysterious illness. Through their conversations, the two women attempt to reconcile their past and their relationship.

  11. 11. A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing by Eimear McBride

    "A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing" is a powerful and experimental novel that delves into the psyche of a young woman as she navigates through a tumultuous and abusive childhood, her complex relationship with her mentally and physically disabled brother, and her own journey towards self-discovery and identity. Written in a unique stream-of-consciousness style, the book explores themes of trauma, sexuality, religion, and resilience, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human experience.

  12. 12. Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

    "Wave" is a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala, recounting her experience of losing her entire family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Deraniyagala, a Sri Lankan-born economist, was on vacation with her husband, two young sons, and parents when the wave hit. She was the only survivor. The book is a raw and emotional account of her grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of her loved ones, as well as her own identity and sense of purpose. Through her writing, Deraniyagala confronts the complexities of survivor's guilt, trauma, and the enduring power of love.

  13. 13. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

    "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" is a graphic memoir by Roz Chast that explores her relationship with her aging parents as they approach the end of their lives. Chast uses her signature humor and illustrations to navigate the difficult topics of illness, death, and family dynamics. The book captures the universal experience of caring for aging parents and the emotional toll it can take on adult children.

  14. 14. Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi

    This novel delves into the complex and fraught relationship between a mother and daughter against the backdrop of contemporary India. The daughter, now an adult, grapples with her mother's advancing dementia and the bitter memories of a childhood marked by neglect and unconventional parenting. As the mother's memory deteriorates, the daughter is forced to confront the painful legacy of their past and the ambiguity of her filial obligations. The narrative weaves through themes of memory, betrayal, and the inextricable bond of family, painting a portrait of two women bound by love and resentment in equal measure.

  15. 15. Small Fry: A Memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

    "Small Fry" is a memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The book details her complicated relationship with her father, who denied paternity for several years before finally acknowledging her as his daughter. Brennan-Jobs describes the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her father, who alternated between neglect and intense attention. The memoir also explores her own journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness, as she grapples with the legacy of her famous and flawed parent.

  16. 16. Red Clocks by Leni Zumas

    In a world where abortion has become illegal in America, in-vitro fertilization is banned and the Personhood Amendment grants rights of life, liberty, and property to every embryo, five women navigate these new barriers. A single high-school teacher desperate for a child, a frustrated mother of two, a pregnant teenager, a polar explorer from the 19th century, and a maverick herbalist facing charges of attempted murder for trying to help women with unwanted pregnancies, all grapple with the implications of these restrictive laws on their lives and identities.

  17. 17. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

    "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett is a novel that tells the story of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, who grow up in a small, southern black community in the 1950s and 60s. After running away from home at the age of 16, Stella decides to pass as white and marries a wealthy white man, while Desiree returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores themes of identity, race, family, and the consequences of choices made in the past. As the sisters' lives diverge, their daughters' paths cross, and secrets are revealed, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.

  18. 18. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

    "One Crazy Summer" is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the 1960s, following the journey of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California to spend the summer with their estranged mother. The girls find themselves immersed in the Black Panther movement and discover the harsh realities of racial inequality and social injustice. Through their experiences, they learn about love, resilience, and the importance of family.

  19. 19. Please, Momma by Chesya Burke

    "Please, Momma" is a poignant short story that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, mental health, and the enduring bonds between a mother and daughter. The narrative follows the daughter's perspective as she grapples with her mother's mental illness, which manifests in hoarding behavior and creates a challenging living environment. The daughter's internal struggle is palpable as she seeks to reconcile her love and empathy for her mother with the frustration and embarrassment caused by the disorder. The story thoughtfully explores themes of compassion, understanding, and the difficult choices one faces when caring for a loved one with mental health issues.

  20. 20. My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley

    The novel explores the complex and strained relationship between a woman and her estranged parents, particularly her mother. The protagonist grapples with the lasting effects of her upbringing, characterized by emotional distance, misunderstandings, and unmet needs. As she navigates her adult life, she reflects on the enduring impact of her childhood and the challenges of forging her own identity in the shadow of her parents' influence. The narrative delves into themes of memory, alienation, and the search for self amidst the phantoms of familial ties that both haunt and shape our experiences.

  21. 21. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

    "Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales is a heartfelt and visually stunning picture book that tells the story of a young mother and her son who immigrate to the United States. Through captivating illustrations and poetic language, the book explores their journey of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and finding solace and hope in the power of books and imagination. It celebrates the resilience and courage of immigrants while emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and the universal language of dreams.

  22. 22. Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

    "Red at the Bone" is a multi-generational novel that explores the lasting impact of past decisions on the present and future. The story begins at a 16-year-old girl's coming-of-age ceremony in Brooklyn and then delves into the past, revealing the complex histories of her parents and grandparents. The narrative is a powerful exploration of identity, ambition, love, and the ways in which history and personal circumstances can shape a family's life.

  23. 23. Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

    "Anything is Possible" is a collection of interconnected stories exploring the lives and struggles of various residents in a small town in Illinois. The stories delve into the characters' pasts, revealing their secrets, regrets, and the complexities of their relationships. The book explores themes of poverty, trauma, and the human capacity for change, demonstrating that despite hardships and heartbreak, anything is possible.

  24. 24. Delicious Foods by James Hannaham

    This novel tells the story of a young boy named Eddie who is left to fend for himself after his mother, a widow and crack addict, disappears. Eddie's mother has been lured into a corrupt and brutal farming operation, where workers are treated like slaves and kept addicted to drugs. The narrative alternates between Eddie's desperate search for his mother and his mother's struggles within the exploitative system, both of them battling against the destructive influence of addiction and systemic racism.

Reading Statistics

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Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download