Curated Reads: Relationships and Dynamics

Previously in this column, I’ve discussed how individual characters can make or break a novel, and an aspect of that is how the characters interact with each other. This week, I want to explore books where the relationship between the characters is the driving force. From broken romances to terse family dynamics, these are some of the books that, in my opinion, best capture the essence of human relationships.

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

I could easily write an article solely on affairs in literature and how they serve as a perfect plot device. I’ll never tire of reading about them; affairs are rarely a crisis of relationship, but rather a crisis of self. They’re messy and destructive, which is what makes them so fascinating to read and analyse. This book is an excellent example of this, written to the backdrop of 2010s Cork, Ireland. The titular character Rachel, in her last year of university, makes fast friends with co-worker James at her new job in a bookstore. She quickly becomes infatuated with one of her professors, an older married man named Fred, and the two quickly plot to invite him to the bookstore under the guise of a book signing, with the hope of it leading to something more. From there, things quickly spiral, and their lives become deeply intertwined with that of Fred and his wife. I loved how the plot of this book snowballs, and how parts of it feel like a 90s sitcom and others a classic coming-of-age story.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

This is a long read, but well worth every page. It’s a fascinating insight into the concept of The American Dream and how that plays out within an American family. The Hildebrandt family of Chicago, comprised of father Russ, mother Marion, and children Clem, Becky and Perry, all keep secrets from each other. The marriage is joyless, the eldest son is consumed with moral absolutism, the daughter is high-school queen bee, and the youngest sells drugs to seventh graders. They all crave freedom, although freedom means something different to each of them, and their relationships with each other threatens to complicate that. Set mostly over one day in winter, the book explores every aspect of Midwestern American family life that you can think of: morality, Christianity, adultery, sex, drugs, the list goes on.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

There is no shortage of literature, or indeed art in all forms, on the topic of breakups, but I truly believe this is one of the best. The book begins with a list of all the reasons Andy believes that him and Jen were not good together, most of them disparaging Jen. But the underlying message is clear: she broke his heart when she dumped him. What ensues is a sometimes tender, sometimes hilarious journey as Andy picks up the pieces of his broken heart. Andy is a bit of a divisive character: while his antics  (such as compulsively checking his bald spot and moving in with an insane flatmate)are entertaining, he can also be a bit pathetic. What makes this book, however, is the ending, which hits like a punch to the stomach and brings everything into a new, sparkling perspective. I also found the premise of heartbreak from a male 30-something comedian from an author that famously writes about women fascinating, and, to the extent of my knowledge as a woman, she captures the male experience of breakups well.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Moving away from romantic relationships, this book is all about, you guessed it, sisters! This is not my first recommendation for a novel by Coco Mellors, and I’ve spoken before about how she is one of the best authors for developing interesting, messy characters. This book takes everything I loved about her debut novel, Cleopatra and Frankenstein, and applies it to the primal and complex relationship of a sibling. There are four siblings: Avery, the eldest, who lives up to the stereotypes of an eldest sister perfectly, playing the role of the perfectionist second mother perfectly. Bonnie, one of two middle sisters, plays peacemaker between her siblings and is relied upon by them. Lucky is the youngest, and in the same vein as the eldest sister, she is the epitome of the youngest child: stuck in her sisters’ shadow and constantly viewed as the baby. Finally, there’s Nicky, the other middle sister whose death serves as the catalyst for this story. The author tackles topics such as addiction and infidelity with the verisimilitude she is known for, and the intricacies of sisterhood are incredible to read.

The House of Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca

This is more of a random recommendation for two reasons. Firstly, it’s a play, rather than prose, and secondly, it was originally written in Spanish (English translations are available). I studied this as the literature component of my A Level in Spanish, and have been waiting for the opportunity to discuss it in my column. To adhere with family tradition, when Bernarda Alba’s second husband dies, she and her five daughters enter an eight-year mourning period. As the only daughter from Bernarda’s first marriage, eldest daughter Angustias has the largest inheritance and attracts a suitor, permitting her to be able to leave the house and offering her the freedom her sisters won’t have. The relationship between mothers and daughters is explored not just through Bernarda and her daughters, but also her relationship with Bernarda’s own elderly mother. In addition, the oppressive claustrophobia of the patriarchy in small-town, early 20th century Spain enhances the tension between the family members.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This is a darker read compared to the rest of this list, firmly planted in the horror genre. Carolyn is one of 12 children adopted by a god-like figure known only as Father. Each child has been tortured and broken, and each imbued with a section of knowledge from Father’s Library. When Father goes missing, Carolyn goes hunting for vengeance. Despite the nightmarish premise, this is a novel about the effects of familial trauma, and how hatred can be as strong of a tie to family as love is. The plot begins with a bang and never slows down; it’s thrilling and violent and horrifying, but it’s a book you’ll lose sleep over wanting to finish it. At the heart of the story is the complex, chilling relationship between parent and child, and the terrifying way trauma can become systemic.