“Friends are God’s way of apologising for our Family.”
Whenever I read this quote I laugh. Whoever came up with it,
nailed it perfectly, when it comes to family they can either bring out the best
or the worse in us. They can provide
comfort yet can wound us deeply.
In literature, families figure hugely. Why? Because there’s
often conflict within a family, and when you have conflict you have a story.
I’ve just finished reading The Burgess Boys by the American
Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Elizabeth Strout. This novel deals primarily with the
relationship between two brothers, The Burgess Boys, who are diametrically opposed in every conceivable
way. The Burgess Boys is a fine novel
filled with conflict, as are Strout’s three other splendid novels – Amy and
Isabelle, Abide with Me and Olive Kitteridge. But the conflict is never overt, always
understated, always there, and often infused with humour. Elizabeth Strout captures conflict
exquisitely and humanely, weaving fascinating stories filled with insights into
what it means to belong to a family – for better, or worse.
Sill, thank goodness for friends!
Do you have any favourite
family “conflict” novels? Love to hear
about them.
Among my favourite family "conflict" novels are Alison Lurie's books about tensions between parents and teenagers. For example, "The War between the Tates". She will remind you that you aren't alone with having to endure family conflict. In other words, t'was ever thus!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, I'll have to check that novel out. It sounds great. Marlish xx
ReplyDeleteTwo immediately spring to mind: Dianne Touchell's YA novel 'Creepy & Maud' (which is about a relationship between two alienated teens but is seeded with family conflict throughout) and your own fine novel, Marlish, 'The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street'.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Amanda. I must chase up Dianne's novel, I've heard great things about it. And yes, as for my novel, I suppose a couple having barely spoken to one another for five years constitutes conflict. That horrid silence where a thousand grievances simmer.
ReplyDelete