Frères et soeurs, une maladie d'amour

More about the book

Sibling relationships arise from an imposed intimacy, creating a complex dynamic. This fraternal bond can be seen as a "chronic love disease," intertwining complicity and shared memories with rivalries and jealousy. The arrival of a second child disrupts the eldest, who must learn to share parental affection. Children often tally the attention they receive, leading to the designation of a "favorite." Over the years, sibling ties are tested by various challenges, such as disability, illness, or the adoption of children. Competition may also arise when one sibling excels academically or athletically. Tensions resurface during family separations, such as when a member leaves to form a couple, or during the reading of parents' wills, which often reveals latent resentments. Marcel Rufo, alongside Christine Schilte, explores these tumultuous relationships through clinical cases, myths, and tales, immersing us in the heart of these often turbulent yet deeply rooted connections.