Who’s the Favourite? The Loving, Messy Realities of Sibling Relationships

Catherine Carr examines the complexity of sibling relationships across the lifespan, exploring why siblings can be so different, how roles and labels persist, and what happens when families navigate caregiving and bereavement.

Drawing on research and personal stories, she investigates birth order, gendered caregiving, estrangement, and the lasting emotional impact of sibling bonds.

The book blends reporting, interviews, and memoir to illuminate how siblings influence identity and well-being.

Carr also offers insights on getting to know siblings as adults and the benefits of maintaining close sibling ties in later life.

Overall, it presents practical and humane reflections on love, rivalry, and the messy realities of family.