The Greatest "Siblings" Books Since 1980

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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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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. 26. 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 4081st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

    "Fall On Your Knees" is a multi-generational saga set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and secrets. The story revolves around the Piper family, specifically four sisters, their father James, and their mother Materia. The narrative weaves through time, revealing the family's complex relationships, the impact of racial and cultural tensions, and the dark secrets that have shaped their lives. This novel is a deep exploration of family dynamics, love, and the power of secrets.

    The 4474th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

    "The Crossover" is a heartfelt and poetic novel that follows the journey of a talented young basketball player named Josh Bell. Set in a world of sports and sibling rivalry, Josh faces challenges both on and off the court as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and first love. Through Alexander's lyrical writing style, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that explores themes of identity, loss, and the power of perseverance.

    The 4834th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

    The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

    The 5301st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. 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 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Echo Maker by Richard Powers

    The novel revolves around a man who, after surviving a near-fatal car accident, wakes up with a rare neurological condition known as Capgras syndrome. He believes his sister, who has been caring for him, is an imposter despite all evidence to the contrary. A renowned neurologist, struggling with his own personal and professional dilemmas, is called to help unravel this complex case. The narrative delves into the mysteries of the human mind, the bonds of family, and the fragility of identity.

    The 5368th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

    "Crow Lake" is a compelling novel that explores the dynamics of a rural Canadian family dealing with tragedy. After the death of their parents, the Morrison children struggle to stay together and maintain their family farm. The story is narrated by the youngest daughter, who is now a successful zoologist, reflecting back on her childhood. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, survival, and the power of education, all set against the backdrop of the harsh, yet beautiful, northern Ontario landscape.

    The 5370th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

    The book is a poignant tale of two French sisters during World War II who face the brutal German occupation of France in their own unique ways. While one sister joins the Resistance, risking her life to save others, the other struggles to maintain her family's home and protect her daughter, showcasing the resilience and strength of women under the shadow of war. Their paths are fraught with danger, moral complexity, and heartbreaking sacrifices, as they each fight for love, freedom, and survival against the backdrop of a world torn apart by conflict.

    The 6120th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

    Set in the harsh poverty of the Ozarks, the story follows a determined, hard-bitten teenage girl who, in the face of her drug-dealing father's disappearance, takes on the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings and mentally ill mother. When she learns their house will be taken away unless her father shows up for his court date, she embarks on a dangerous journey through the criminal underworld to find him, encountering violence and betrayal along the way.

    The 6244th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

    This novel explores the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry and the journey to self-discovery through the eyes of Louise Bradshaw, a young girl growing up on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay during World War II. Feeling overshadowed by her twin sister Caroline, who is seen as the more talented and favored child, Louise struggles with feelings of jealousy and inadequacy. As she comes of age, she strives to find her own identity and purpose beyond the confines of her insular community and the shadow of her sister. The story delves into themes of family, identity, and the search for independence, ultimately offering a poignant look at the challenges of growing up and the path to self-acceptance.

    The 6390th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Half Brother: A Novel by Lars Saabye Christensen

    "The Half Brother" is a compelling narrative that follows the life of a young man named Barnum Nilsen. Born into a Norwegian family with a mysterious past, Barnum navigates through life with a half-brother, Fred, who is both his best friend and his rival. As Barnum grows older, he becomes a successful writer, but his personal life is marked by loss, loneliness, and the weight of his family's secrets. The book is a profound exploration of identity, love, and the bonds of family.

    The 6464th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry, Mónica Faerna

    "Anansi Boys" is a fantastical novel that follows the life of Fat Charlie Nancy, a mild-mannered man who is shocked to discover that his estranged father was the African spider god, Anansi. After his father's death, Fat Charlie's life is turned upside down when he meets his charming and charismatic brother, Spider, who has inherited their father's powers. As Spider begins to wreak havoc on Fat Charlie's life, the two brothers embark on a wild adventure through the spirit world, encountering gods, ghosts, and other supernatural beings along the way. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, "Anansi Boys" is a thrilling and imaginative tale about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.

    The 10547th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

    The book is a heartwarming tale of friendship and mother-daughter relationships set in Louisiana. The narrative centers around a successful playwright who, after a revealing interview about her mother, is sent a scrapbook of her mother's lifelong friendship with three women, known as the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. As she delves into the scrapbook, she discovers the depth and complexity of her mother's past, leading to a journey of understanding and reconciliation. The story explores themes of love, friendship, and the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters.

    The 6588th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. 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.

    The 6668th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

    The 6709th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

    In this gripping and thought-provoking novel, a young African American teenager named Will faces a life-altering decision after his older brother is shot and killed. Set in an elevator, the story unfolds over the course of sixty seconds as Will descends to the ground floor, contemplating whether to seek revenge on his brother's murderer. Along the way, he encounters a series of individuals who challenge his perspective on violence, justice, and the cycle of retribution. With powerful prose and a raw emotional intensity, the book explores themes of grief, systemic racism, and the complexities of personal choices.

    The 6922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan

    "Voroshilovgrad" is a powerful novel set in post-Soviet Ukraine, following the lives of several characters who are grappling with the consequences of war, corruption, and economic decline. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle to find meaning in a society that is rapidly changing. Through vivid and poetic prose, the author paints a haunting picture of a city and its inhabitants, capturing the complexities and contradictions of life in a country in transition.

    The 6935th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. During The Reign Of The Queen Of Persia by Joan Chase

    "During the Reign of the Queen of Persia" is a novel that explores the lives and experiences of a group of young cousins growing up in rural Ohio during the 1950s. Narrated from the collective perspective of the girls, the story delves into their complex family dynamics, particularly focusing on the influence of their grandmother, a formidable and charismatic woman. The narrative captures the nuances of childhood and adolescence, weaving themes of identity, femininity, and the transition from innocence to awareness against the backdrop of a changing America. The novel poignantly portrays the bonds of family and the pains of growing up, offering a rich and textured glimpse into the intricacies of rural life and the enduring impact of matriarchal figures.

    The 7082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Brothers And Keepers by John Edgar Wideman

    "Brothers and Keepers" is a profound exploration of the divergent paths taken by two siblings, narrated through the contrasting lives of the author and his younger brother. While the author achieves success as an academic and writer, his brother becomes entangled in the criminal justice system, ultimately serving a life sentence for his involvement in a robbery and murder. The memoir delves into themes of family, societal expectations, racial inequality, and the bonds of brotherhood, as the author seeks to understand how two brothers raised in the same environment could end up leading such drastically different lives. Through personal reflection and poignant narrative, the book examines the complex interplay of identity, choice, and fate.

    The 7132nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak

    In this whimsical children's book, a young girl named Ida must rescue her baby sister after she is stolen away by goblins. While their mother is away, the goblins sneak in and replace the baby with an ice replica. Ida, noticing the change, embarks on a magical journey to the world of "Outside Over There" to save her sibling. Throughout her adventure, she learns about bravery, responsibility, and the power of music.

    The 7156th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. A Spare Life by Lidija Dimkovksa

    "A Spare Life" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the lives of conjoined twin sisters, Zlata and Srebra, as they navigate the complexities of their shared existence in war-torn Macedonia. Told through the eyes of Zlata, the narrative delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the pursuit of individuality, as the sisters grapple with their physical and emotional bonds. With lyrical prose and a powerful portrayal of sisterly love, this novel offers a unique and compelling perspective on the human experience.

    The 7775th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. 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.

    The 8390th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. We Pierce by Andrew Huebner

    The novel is a poignant exploration of the American experience, focusing on two brothers from a small town who find themselves on divergent paths at the dawn of the 21st century. One brother enlists in the military, driven by a sense of duty and the desire for adventure, and is sent to the Middle East, where he confronts the harsh realities of war. Meanwhile, the other brother remains at home, dealing with his own struggles and the impact of his brother's absence on their family. Their journeys reflect the personal and national conflicts of a country grappling with its identity and the consequences of its actions abroad.

    The 8430th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Green Knight by Iris Murdoch

    "The Green Knight" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of morality, truth, and the nature of good and evil through the interconnected lives of its characters. The story revolves around a middle-aged woman and her three daughters who become involved with a mysterious stranger after he is accidentally injured by the woman's brother. As the stranger insinuates himself into their lives, the characters are forced to confront their own personal failings and the complexities of their relationships with each other.

    The 8499th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

    This novel explores the complex dynamics of a family dealing with a daughter's chronic illness. Born as a genetic match to help her older sister fight leukemia through countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots, the younger sibling starts to question her own autonomy and the life that has been chosen for her. As she seeks medical emancipation, the family is forced to confront ethical dilemmas, the bounds of parental love, and the meaning of sisterhood. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a deep dive into the emotional and moral complexities of using one child's body to save another's life, ultimately challenging the reader to ponder where sacrifices for loved ones should have their limits.

    The 8581st 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