Sibling relationships can resemble a battlefield more than a family gathering.
In this LitStack Rec, we explore the rich tapestry of emotions and conflicts that only siblings can weave. These 6 novels with intense sibling relationships illuminate the complexities of siblinghood, offering a fractured mirror of our own familial experiences.
You can find and buy the books we recommend at the LitStack Bookshop on our list of LitStack Recs.
Delve into the tangled webs of sibling relationships where blood ties become battlegrounds in these six compelling novels. They’re not exactly “how to improve sibling relationship” novels. Rather, you’ll experience rivalries that burn like wildfire, malice that cuts deeper than the sharpest blade, duplicity that unfolds with the elegance of a well-crafted concerto, and even a bite or two of murder.
In This LitStack Rec of 6 Intense Sibling Relationships
LITSTACK RECS
6 Novels With Intense Sibling Relationships
1. LitStack Recs You Nurse This Twisted Tale of Dark Humor and Suspense
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Prepare to be captivated by “My Sister, the Serial Killer,” a darkly comedic and thrilling novel that challenges our perception of familial loyalty and morality. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, this gripping tale centers on Korede, a nurse who finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her beautiful yet lethal sister, Ayoola.
Korede’s sister, Ayoola, has a disturbing habit of leaving a trail of dead boyfriends in her wake. Korede is always left to clean up Ayoola’s messes, disposing of the bodies and scrubbing the crime scenes. As the body count increases, Korede finds herself trapped in a moral quandary: protect her sister or protect potential future victims? The novel delves into the complexities of loyalty, complicity, and the poisonous nature of sibling bonds, which is further intensified when Korede’s own love interest becomes enamored with Ayoola.
Adult siblings have a lot of mental baggage they carry. But holy cow! Of all sibling relationship types, the one in this book is darkly exhilarating and keeps you turning pages. Your heart races with suspense and you wonder whether it’s okay that you’re laughing on the inside. Braithwaite’s writing is sharp and witty, painting a vivid picture of the complexities of sisterhood. You’ll find yourself torn between empathy and horror navigating the twisted dynamics of the sibling relationship at the heart of this familial bond. My Sister, The Serial Killer invites you to question the limits of love and the lengths you would go to protect your own.
2. LitStack Recs You Eat Apples
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Speaking of family dynamics, Apples Never Fall centers on the four Delaney siblings – two brothers and two sisters – who were raised in a competitive tennis family. When their mother suddenly disappears, the siblings’ differing perspectives, long-held resentments, rivalries, and secrets boil to the surface as they question their father’s innocence and confront their tangled relationships with each other.
Apples Never Fall is a compelling exploration of sibling relationship dynamics, secrets, and the consequences of our choices. The Delaney family appears “tennis club” perfect on the surface, but when Joy Delaney goes missing, long-buried tensions and all the mysteries come to light. Moriarty masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Apples Never Fall is an incredibly satisfying read; each chapter reveals new insights and twists that challenge your assumptions. Moriarty’s insightful portrayal of familial relationships resonates deeply, and you will reflect on your own family ties. The storytelling keeps you emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys. Apples Never Fall encourages us to appreciate the complexity and resilience of family bonds, even in the face of adversity.
3. LitStack Recs More Murder in Your Reading
The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
This sister sibling relationship novel gives you two estranged sisters who find their lives colliding dramatically when one sister’s husband is murdered. The murdered man also happens to be the other sister’s ex-husband and the father of her son. As the investigation unfolds, decades of secrets, lies, and rivalry between the sisters are exposed, forcing them to confront their complicated past and motivations.
Dive into this world of sibling rivalry and legal intrigue The Better Sister. The premise of the novel holds up extremely well and keeps you engaged. When the character Chloe Taylor’s husband is found dead, her sister Nicky becomes the prime suspect. As Chloe fights to clear Nicky’s name, all the buried sibling secrets threaten to unravel their fragile relationship and upend their lives.
Burke crafts a riveting novel that combines psychological depth with legal suspense, making it an exciting and fast read. The book challenges readers to confront their own biases about sibling relationships and what it means to be “better.” Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, The Better Sister weaves a sinuous puzzle of a tale of ambition, trust, and redemption.
4. LitStack Recs Build A Nest
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
This novel follows the four Plumb siblings – Leo, Melody, Bea, and Jack. They have long awaited access to a joint trust fund, “The Nest,” set up by their father. However, shortly before the payout, reckless Leo causes a scandal that drains almost the entire fund, forcing the other siblings to confront their own financial desperations, long-simmering resentments, and the dysfunctional, often adversarial, dynamics between them.
The Nest is a humorous and touching examination of family dynamics and financial dependency that delves into themes of entitlement, forgiveness, and the true meaning of wealth. Reading The Nest is a delightful trip, filled with humor and heartache. Sweeney’s keen observations on human nature are both entertaining and enlightening, encouraging readers to reassess their own priorities. The novel’s relatable characters and engaging storyline invite readers to reflect on the importance of family over material wealth. By immersing yourself in this captivating tale, you’ll gain a renewed appreciation for life’s intangible riches.
5. LitStack Recs Stay Away From The Beaker
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
This literary novel revolves around Rosemary Cooke and her complex family history. Central to the story is her relationship with her “sister” Fern, revealing a unique and ethically challenging family experiment. The story explores themes of memory, loss, guilt, and the profound, sometimes damaging, impact siblings have on each other, particularly when secrets and unusual circumstances create deep divides.
This novel offers a unique perspective on family and identity through the eyes of Rosemary Cooke, whose childhood was defined by an unusual experiment involving her sister Fern. As secrets from her past unravel, Rosemary must confront her family’s complicated legacy.
Fowler’s storytelling captivates readers with its thought-provoking emotional depth and unexpected revelations. The timing of her storytelling is spot on. The book challenges conventional notions of family and the ethical implications of scientific pursuits. With its blend of humor, empathy, and introspection, “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves” is unforgettable, a reading experience of deep reflection on what it means to belong. Embrace this remarkable novel for its ability to inspire both laughter and tears.
6. LitStack Recs Ride A Rollercoaster
Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett
When her estranged half-sister, a reality TV star, is found dead in the Bronx, Lena Scott—a Black woman wary of the spotlight—doesn’t believe the official ruling of an overdose. Despite their complicated and distant relationship, Lena is drawn into investigating her sister’s death, uncovering secrets, lies, and the often harsh realities hidden beneath the glamorous facade, forcing her to confront the difficult nature of their fractured sisterhood.
Like A Sister is more than a “cozy,” it’s a gripping mystery centered around Lena Scott, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her estranged sister’s suspicious death. The character Lena navigates through webs of secrets and lies, discovering unexpected connections and hidden dangers.
This book is a rollercoaster ride! Tension, surprises, well crafted. Garrett’s blend of suspense and social commentary is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The novel explores themes of race, privilege, and justice, challenging readers to examine their own perceptions.
The Intrigue, Drama and Self-searching of Sibling Relationships
Prepare to be moved by the intense drama and emotional depth of sibling relationships and how they may go awry. Each novel offers a unique exploration of the complexities of familial bonds tested by rivalry, malice, and duplicity–the intricate dynamics that define our closest relationships. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of suspense or the richness of character development, or mystery and murder, these six novels will keep you enthralled. Don’t miss these LitStack Recs. Grab your copies today.
~J.S. Hood
Other LitStack Resources
Be sure and look at our other LitStack Recs for our recommendations on books you should read, as well as these reviews by Lauren Alwan, and these reviews by Rylie Fong, Allie Coker, and Sharon Browning.
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