The Greatest "Marriage, Fiction, Mothers & Children" 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 305 '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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Marriage

The category of "Marriage" in books encompasses a wide range of literature that explores the institution of marriage, including its joys, challenges, and complexities. These books may delve into the history and cultural significance of marriage, examine the psychological and emotional dynamics of relationships, or offer practical advice and guidance for couples navigating the ups and downs of married life. Whether exploring the intricacies of communication, intimacy, or conflict resolution, books in this category aim to provide insight and support for individuals seeking to build and maintain strong, healthy, and fulfilling marriages.

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. So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ

    "So Long a Letter" is an epistolary novel that explores the life of a recently widowed woman in Senegal. Throughout the story, she reflects on her life, her marriage, her husband's second, younger wife, and the status of women in Senegalese society. The book delves into themes of polygamy, friendship, and the struggle for women's rights in a predominantly patriarchal society. It is a poignant examination of the personal and cultural conflicts faced by women in post-colonial Africa.

    The 904th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Twilight Years by Sawako Ariyoshi

    "The Twilight Years" is a poignant story revolving around the life of a middle-aged woman who is burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her ageing and ailing father-in-law while trying to balance her work and personal life. The novel explores the themes of old age, family responsibilities, societal expectations, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. It offers a critical examination of the social, cultural, and personal issues related to aging and care-giving in post-war Japan.

    The 1485th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Joys Of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

    "The Joys of Motherhood" is a poignant and powerful novel that explores the life of Nnu Ego, a Nigerian woman who struggles to find fulfillment and happiness in the traditional role of motherhood. Set against the backdrop of colonial Nigeria, the story delves into themes of gender inequality, cultural expectations, and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Through Nnu Ego's experiences, the author offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities and contradictions of motherhood in a rapidly changing society.

    The 1999th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

    The novel follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man battling with his drug addiction and his troubled relationship with his parents. Patrick tries to come to terms with his mother’s decision to leave her estate to a New Age foundation rather than to him, her only son. The story delves into the complexities of inheritance, parenthood, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Patrick, his wife, and their two young sons, providing a multi-dimensional view of the family's struggles.

    The 2286th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell

    The novel is a poignant depiction of a suburban housewife's life in Kansas City before World War II. It chronicles her journey from a young woman to a wife and mother, grappling with her role in a rapidly changing society. The protagonist struggles with her identity, her children's independence, and her husband's emotional distance. The narrative is a series of vignettes offering a nuanced exploration of the protagonist's life, questioning the fulfillment and purpose of her traditional role.

    The 2807th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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.

    The 3085th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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.

    The 3239th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Brick Lane by Monica Ali

    This novel tells the story of a Bangladeshi woman named Nazneen who moves to London at the age of 18 for an arranged marriage to a man 20 years her senior. The narrative explores her life in the city, her struggles with her unhappy marriage, her affair with a young radical, and her attempts to reconcile her traditional upbringing with her new surroundings. The book also explores the lives of immigrants in the UK, the clash of cultures, and the struggle for identity.

    The 4079th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan

    The novel delves into the complex relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her mother, who carries with her the weight of a tumultuous past from her life in China. As the mother finally reveals her harrowing experiences of survival during wartime, secrets of love, loss, and betrayal, the daughter begins to understand the resilience and sacrifices that have shaped her mother's life. Through this unveiling of family history, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.

    The 5175th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells

    This novel presents a poignant and humorous tapestry of a dysfunctional Southern family through a series of vignettes told from multiple perspectives. The narrative unfolds the complex dynamics of the family, exploring themes of alcoholism, abuse, and the search for love and acceptance. As each character reveals their innermost thoughts and secrets, the story delves into the impact of their shared history on their individual lives, painting a rich and emotional portrait of a family struggling to find healing and redemption amidst their personal and collective challenges.

    The 5328th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Fire Dwellers by Margaret Laurence

    The novel explores the complex life of a Canadian housewife in the 1960s, grappling with her identity amidst the daily chaos of raising four children and dealing with a distant husband. As she navigates her own desires, frustrations, and responsibilities, the protagonist confronts the challenges of motherhood, marriage, and the societal expectations placed on women of her time. Through her internal monologues and interactions with family and friends, the narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, existential angst, and the search for meaning in suburban life.

    The 5948th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Sugar Mother by Elizabeth Jolley

    The novel centers around a middle-aged couple, Edwin and Cecilia, whose tranquil life is disrupted when Edwin, a university professor, is left alone while his wife travels abroad. During her absence, a vivacious and pregnant neighbor, Leila, ingratiates herself into Edwin's life, bringing along her own brand of chaos. As Edwin becomes entangled in the lives of Leila and her friends, he confronts unexpected desires and ethical dilemmas, leading to a complex exploration of relationships, fertility, and the longing for family. The narrative delves into themes of loneliness, the search for companionship, and the impact of outsiders on a settled existence.

    The 6734th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

    This novel unfolds the heart-wrenching story of a family irrevocably changed one snowy night in 1964. When a doctor is forced to deliver his own twins, he makes a split-second decision to send his newborn daughter, born with Down syndrome, away with the nurse, instructing her to place the baby in an institution. Instead, the nurse moves to another city and raises the girl as her own. The secret of the daughter's existence creates a silent chasm in the doctor's marriage and profoundly affects their son, as the lie that was meant to protect them all slowly erodes their lives. Spanning a quarter of a century, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complex nature of family and identity.

    The 8685th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Position by Meg Wolitzer

    "The Position" is a novel that explores the impact of a bestselling sex manual, written by a couple, on their four children. The book, published in the 1970s, includes explicit illustrations of the couple and becomes a cultural phenomenon. The narrative, spanning over three decades, delves into the lives of the children, their struggles with their parents' public sexual revelations, and how it affects their own relationships and identities as they grow into adulthood.

    The 10857th 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