Novelist Rebecca Watson: What are siblings: twisted reflections of ourselves? Allies? Enemies?'
Briefly

The therapist expressed how we’re still behind in how we talk about siblings, noting a strong taboo around the subject compared to parent-child dynamics. The relationship between siblings is less understood, and this lack of discourse makes it a significant area for exploration in literature and therapy.
The author reflects on the complexity of sibling relationships, comparing them to parental dynamics, which are familiar yet unpredictable. The terrain of sibling relationships remains unreliable, filled with complicated emotions that we often don’t have adequate language for.
A surge in recent novels, including The Alternatives and Private Rites, suggests a growing literary interest in sibling dynamics. These narratives explore everything from estrangement to longing, revealing deeper cultural shifts in how we perceive sibling relationships.
Julia Armfield's 'Private Rites' presents three sisters with conflicting emotions, mirroring the complexity and nuance of sibling bonds. Sally Rooney’s 'Intermezzo' delves into the fraught relationship between two brothers, showcasing the misunderstandings that can arise in these close yet turbulent ties.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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