The Greatest "Siblings, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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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Siblings

The "Siblings" category in literature encompasses a diverse range of books that delve into the intricate dynamics, bonds, and conflicts inherent in sibling relationships. Whether exploring the fierce loyalty and deep-seated rivalries between brothers and sisters, the complexities of blended families, or the poignant connections in twins' lives, this genre offers a rich exploration of familial ties. From heartwarming tales of siblings banding together to overcome adversity to psychological dramas that unravel the darker aspects of these relationships, the "Siblings" category provides readers with a window into the multifaceted experiences that come with having siblings. It includes a variety of narratives, from coming-of-age stories and historical sagas to thrillers and comedies, all unified by the central theme of siblinghood and its impact on individual and family identities.

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  1. 1. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

    The novel follows the story of a young girl named Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father. The father, a scientist, has been missing since he discovered a new planet using the concept of Tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings, the children travel across different dimensions, face evil forces, and learn about the power of love and self-sacrifice.

    The 202nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Atonement by Ian McEwan

    Atonement is a powerful novel that explores the consequences of a young girl's false accusation. The narrative follows the lives of three characters, the accuser, her older sister, and the sister's lover, who is wrongly accused. This false accusation irrevocably alters their lives, leading to the accused's imprisonment and eventual enlistment in World War II, while the sisters grapple with guilt, estrangement, and their own personal growth. The novel is a profound exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the destructive power of misinterpretation.

    The 208th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

    The novel explores the life of two sisters, Ruth and Lucille, who are raised by a series of relatives in a small, secluded town in Idaho after their mother's suicide. The girls' lives are profoundly affected by the eccentric and transient lifestyle of their aunt Sylvie, who becomes their guardian. The narrative delves deeply into themes of family, identity, womanhood, and the impermanence of life, ultimately leading to a divide between the sisters as they choose different paths in life.

    The 213th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

    This novel is a multi-generational epic that follows the lives of the Trask and Hamilton families in the Salinas Valley in California. The story is deeply rooted in biblical allegory, particularly the tale of Cain and Abel, as it explores themes of love, guilt, freedom, and the inherent good and evil in human nature. The narrative provides a profound, complex portrayal of family and individual struggles with morality and love, while also reflecting on the social changes affecting America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    The 319th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Ada or Ardor by Vladimir Nabokov

    Set in an alternate universe where Earth is known as "Antiterra," the novel follows the lives of Ada and Van, two wealthy siblings who fall into a passionate and incestuous love affair. Their relationship evolves over a span of 70 years, as they navigate through family secrets, personal tragedies, and the complex nature of time. The book is a blend of romance, science fiction, and philosophical exploration, all told through the author's signature wordplay and intricate narrative style.

    The 465th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger

    The book is a two-part narrative focusing on the siblings Franny and Zooey Glass. Franny, a college student, is experiencing a spiritual and existential breakdown, questioning the value of her education and the authenticity of the world around her. Zooey, her older brother and a former child prodigy, attempts to guide her through her crisis, using their shared experiences and the teachings of their older brothers. The book explores themes of spirituality, family dynamics, and the struggle for authenticity in a superficial world.

    The 644th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley

    This novel is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, set on a 1000-acre farm in Iowa. The story revolves around three daughters whose father decides to divide his land among them. The eldest two daughters are compliant with their father's decision, but the youngest daughter objects, leading to familial discord. The novel delves into themes of power, jealousy, and the dark secrets that can tear a family apart.

    The 727th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

    This novel tells the story of the Blackwood sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in isolation in their family mansion, following the mysterious death of their parents due to arsenic poisoning. The sisters' lives are disrupted when their estranged cousin, Charles, arrives with intentions of stealing their fortune. The story is a chilling exploration of family secrets, mental illness, and the destructive power of mob mentality.

    The 804th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

    The novel is a haunting and tragic tale of the five Lisbon sisters who live in suburban America in the 1970s. Their strict, overbearing parents keep them isolated from the world, leading to a sense of mystery and intrigue about the girls in their community. This fascination turns into morbid curiosity when one of the sisters commits suicide, and the remaining sisters become even more sheltered. The story is narrated by a group of neighborhood boys who are obsessed with the girls, and their suicides, trying to piece together the reasons behind their tragic ends.

    The 814th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler

    "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" is a novel about the life of the Tull family, which is marked by abandonment and discord, but also love and resilience. The story is told from the perspective of each family member, providing a unique viewpoint on the family's dynamics and history. The matriarch, Pearl, struggles to raise her three children, Cody, Ezra, and Jenny, after their father abandons them. Each child deals with the abandonment and their dysfunctional family in different ways, shaping their adult lives. The novel explores themes of family, love, abandonment, and the idea of home.

    The 819th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

    The novel tells the story of Gogol Ganguli, a second-generation Indian-American, who struggles with his unique name and his dual cultural identity. Born to immigrant parents from Kolkata, India, Gogol is named after the famous Russian author, Nikolai Gogol, a decision that shapes his life in unexpected ways. As he grows up, he finds himself torn between his parents' traditional Indian values and his desire to fit into mainstream American society. This internal conflict is further complicated by his relationships with women of different cultural backgrounds. The book explores themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the immigrant experience.

    The 934th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

    In a magical land where witches and wizards exist, a young hat maker named Sophie is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. Determined to break the curse, Sophie seeks refuge in the mysterious moving castle of the feared wizard Howl. As Sophie navigates the castle's enchanting rooms and encounters its eccentric inhabitants, she discovers the power of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. Together with Howl and his apprentice Michael, Sophie embarks on a captivating journey filled with adventure, magic, and unexpected twists that will change their lives forever.

    The 1099th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

    The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

    The 1191st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai

    "Clear Light of Day" is a novel set in Old Delhi, which explores the dynamics of the Das family. The story shifts back and forth in time, reflecting on the lives of siblings Bim, Raja, Baba, and Tara, and their relationships with each other and their aunts. The narrative delves into themes of memory, time, and decay, as well as the political upheaval of the Partition of India. The novel is a poignant study of family relationships, personal change, and loss.

    The 1207th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper

    In "The Dark Is Rising," a young boy named Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is the last of the Old Ones, a group of immortal beings who must protect the world from the forces of darkness. As he embarks on a dangerous quest to find six powerful signs, Will must navigate a treacherous battle between good and evil, facing ancient magic, time travel, and his own inner demons along the way. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Will must embrace his destiny and harness his newfound powers to save humanity from the rising darkness.

    The 1211th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels by Agota Kristof

    "The Notebook: The Proof ; The Third Lie : Three Novels" is a trilogy of novels that follow the lives of twin brothers, living through the harsh realities of war, separation, and betrayal. The first novel, "The Notebook," tells the story of their survival as children in a rural town at the end of World War II. The second book, "The Proof," continues their story into adulthood, exploring the effects of their traumatic childhood. The final book, "The Third Lie," delves into the complexities of their relationship and the secrets they kept from one another. The trilogy is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the enduring bond of brotherhood.

    The 1292nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

    "The Prince of Tides" is a gripping narrative about a troubled man who must confront his traumatic past in order to help his twin sister, a poet who has attempted suicide. The protagonist, in the process of aiding his sister's psychiatrist, is forced to delve into their shared history of growing up in a dysfunctional family in South Carolina. The story is a deep exploration of family dynamics, mental health, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma, all set against the backdrop of the Southern United States.

    The 1354th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Salvage the Bones: A Novel by Jesmyn Ward

    Set in a poor rural community in Mississippi, this novel follows the story of a pregnant teenage girl named Esch and her three brothers as they navigate their lives in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. Their mother is dead and their father is a neglectful alcoholic, leaving the siblings to fend for themselves. The book explores themes of poverty, racism, and survival, showcasing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 1377th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Wise Children by Angela Carter

    "Wise Children" follows the lives of twin chorus girls, Dora and Nora Chance, as they navigate the ups and downs of their theatrical family in south London. The narrative, told from Dora's perspective, weaves in and out of time, recounting their experiences with their illegitimate father Melchior Hazard, a renowned Shakespearean actor, and his legitimate family. The novel explores themes of family, identity, legitimacy, and the magic of theater, all while maintaining a humorous and irreverent tone.

    The 1450th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

    In the Time of the Butterflies is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the Mirabal sisters who were activists against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. The narrative is a blend of fact and fiction, presenting the personal lives and political involvement of the sisters, three of whom were assassinated for their roles in the resistance movement. The book explores themes of courage, sacrifice, love, and the power of women in the face of oppressive regimes.

    The 1583rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Legends of The Fall by Jim Harrison

    "Legends of the Fall" is a collection of three novellas, each exploring themes of love, war, and betrayal against the backdrop of the American wilderness. The titular novella follows the lives of three brothers and their father living in the remote wilderness of Montana in the early 1900s. The three brothers, each vastly different in character, find their bond tested when they all fall in love with the same woman. Their individual and collective decisions lead to a series of tragic events that shape their destiny. The other two novellas also deal with complex relationships and moral dilemmas, set against the harsh and unforgiving landscapes of America.

    The 1607th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez

    This novel follows the story of the four Garcia sisters, who are forced to flee from their home in the Dominican Republic to New York City in the 1960s due to their father's political dissent. The girls struggle to navigate the challenges of assimilation and cultural identity, as they attempt to reconcile their Dominican heritage with their new American lifestyle. The narrative explores themes of identity, family, immigrant experience, and the effects of political unrest, as the girls lose their Spanish accents and adapt to their new environment.

    The 1648th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters: And, Seymour, an Introduction by J. D. Salinger

    The book is a collection of two novellas, both narrated by Buddy Glass, a character who also appears in other works by the same author. The first story, "Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters," is set during World War II and focuses on the wedding day of Buddy's older brother Seymour, who fails to show up. The second story, "Seymour, an Introduction," is Buddy's homage to his brother, exploring his character, their relationship, and Seymour's influence on Buddy's life and writing. The book delves into themes of spirituality, family dynamics, and the nature of art and artists.

    The 2051st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren

    "The Brothers Lionheart" is a heartwarming and adventurous tale that follows the lives of two brothers, Karl and Jonathan, who embark on an extraordinary journey in the magical realm of Nangijala after their untimely deaths. In this enchanting world, they find themselves caught in a battle between good and evil, where they must summon their bravery and loyalty to protect their newfound friends and fight against the oppressive forces that threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. This timeless story explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of hope, captivating readers of all ages.

    The 2081st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

    "Jacob Have I Loved" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Louise, a twin sister overshadowed by her talented and beloved sibling, Caroline. Set in a small fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay during World War II, Louise struggles to find her own identity and pursue her dreams amidst the challenges of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the limitations of her environment. As she navigates the complexities of adolescence, Louise must confront jealousy, resentment, and the search for self-worth, ultimately discovering the strength to forge her own path and claim her independence.

    The 2122nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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