Literary Fiction That Explores Complicated Family Bonds (10 books)

These emotionally rich literary novels explore family relationships under strain—siblings, parents, children, and chosen family—where love, grief, loyalty, and conflict intertwine. Perfect for readers drawn to introspective storytelling, flawed characters, and deeply human connections tested by loss, illness, or circumstance.

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1	The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Goodreads Author) 4.46 avg rating — 1,207,071 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
1	The Radical Radiance of the Fishing Fly by Lewis K. Schrager (Goodreads Author) 4.73 avg rating — 51 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Commonwealth by Ann Patchett 3.83 avg rating — 205,549 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 4.10 avg rating — 561,749 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	The Brothers K by David James Duncan 4.39 avg rating — 17,027 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean 4.15 avg rating — 12,036 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 116,000 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Plainsong (Plainsong, #1) by Kent Haruf 4.04 avg rating — 80,038 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo (Goodreads Author) 3.84 avg rating — 199,764 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 1,317,295 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars