Eldest daughter syndrome

Fiction of all genres that explore what it means to cannibalize the self in service of others; the invisible labor, the elusive rewards, and the smothering of all else. Books do not need to feature actual eldest daughters. Always open to suggestions!

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created by ayzrules

last updated February, 2026

98

Comments

the viridian priestess fits this!

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Thank you💕💕💕

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this a more silly one by i immediately thought of beezus and ramona

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LOL REAL

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LOL WAIT I barely remember this but I see it’s inspired your username

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I am once again coming onto your doorstep like an annoying salesman to say "The Works of Vermin fits in the list" 😂. But also, I feel this in my bones. Great topic for a list!

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Wait fr wow!!! I need to get to this asap then hahahha

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Guy is definitely đŸŽ” a single mom who works two jobs, who loves her kids and never stops đŸŽ” 😂 (but like make it even sadder because he really did lose himself).

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we love an eldest daughter poor little meow meow loser wet cat man omfgggg

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shall i yoink this book from you a sixth time? 😂

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Is it actually the sixth time? 😂 But also, who am I to stop the yoinks lol

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it could be, LMAO i lost track 😂

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Wow a personal call out huh!

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The Bog Wife might fit this list! It’s probably only 2 of the 5 POVs that really embody this, but it does play out in the way the other characters interact with them and the narrative.

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Yooo wait that sounds so good, thank you! I’ve added đŸ™‚â€â†•ïž

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100% agree, eda my beloved đŸ˜©

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i feel personally victimised by this list

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look what else is pagebound but a place to endlessly be called out and call yourself out LOL

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no truer words have ever been spoken đŸ™‚â€â†•ïž

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model home by rivers solomon i think would make great company here!

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Thank you, I’ve added it! 💖

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What do you think of my sister the serial killer for this list?

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oooh i've never read that! in what way would you say it would fit, i'm curious!

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It follows an eldest sister who is definitely tired of her eldest daughter roll (can't say how she feels about it in the end cause spoilers)

I think it would fit though

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Ooh yes that sounds like it fits - thank you! 💗

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đŸ«¶

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ohhh feeling seen and called out simultaneously

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Saaaaaame

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that's what pagebound is for! heehee

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I swear this is a serious rec!! Three Holidays and a Wedding - because Maryam for sure!!

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I think it's because we talked about this book so much yesterday, but my mind went there immediately as well đŸ˜­đŸ€­

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I definitely think it’s because we had just talked about it so it was fresh in my mind, but it does fit the list theme for sure 😂 đŸ« 

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Hahaha I believe you! Added!

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worry by alexandra tanner might work for this list! (probably could think of more but it immediately springs to mind)

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that sounds like such a cool book, thank you!

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worry by alexandra tanner would be very good here 👀

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thank you!! i added it!

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It doesn't necessarily fit the "vibe" of the other books in this list, but book lovers by Emily Henry really fits the definition you gave!

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oooh i read the blurb and i think it fits! no reason not to add it imo, thank you!

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this list will ruin me. thank you so much for compiling this! ♡

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💗💗💗💗 I’m glad you like it!

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