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!
created by ayzrules
last updated February, 2026
Comments
worry by alexandra tanner might work for this list! (probably could think of more but it immediately springs to mind)
ayzrulesOP
that sounds like such a cool book, thank you!
this a more silly one by i immediately thought of beezus and ramona
LOL REAL
ayzrulesOP
LOL WAIT I barely remember this but I see itâs inspired your username
WAIT NEW AVATAR?? RIGHT? pink next to ur name is new to my eyes?? SO CUTIEEEE HOW DO U LIKE IT?
i love it hehee much better than the blue imo (was still fine! just not my favorite colors hehe, i chose more for the icon image itself if that makes sense)
TOTALLY that was actually me before too! i chose my earlier one for the skin tone but this new one reflected me more AND was pink which i wanted more! so cute of us and im super happy for u ehehehe
:)))
comment has been deleted.
YOU ARE SO SWEET I FEEL SO LOVED thank you for being such a lovely friend bees :) doing well today, i got to rest bunches and eat well!! and read lots how about you?? (also im gonna try going by my real name less on here so i'd love if you could delete ur comment once u read this :) im realizing way too many people follow me on here and i feel comfy w only my og mutuals (u included) knowing my name - could you call me by the name in my bio instead? right now its rain! or raindrop is good too hehe)
hehe i always appreciated when u checked in on me just the same âşď¸ im glad it was such a good and mellow day! mine was a bit rough, but i did more reading in than i expected! and i ate good as well. and on a more personal im starting to drink og sleepytime tea before bed now while reading and it's very nice đ
SLEEPYTIME TEAAAA im sending lots of comforting and warm energy your way, i'm so sorry about the rough day :(
I am once again coming onto your doorstep like an annoying salesman to say "The Works of Vermin fits in the list" đ. But also, I feel this in my bones. Great topic for a list!
Wow a personal call out huh!
The Bog Wife might fit this list! Itâs 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.
ayzrulesOP
Yooo wait that sounds so good, thank you! Iâve added đââď¸
100% agree, eda my beloved đŠ
i feel personally victimised by this list
ayzrulesOP
look what else is pagebound but a place to endlessly be called out and call yourself out LOL
no truer words have ever been spoken đââď¸
What do you think of my sister the serial killer for this list?
ohhh feeling seen and called out simultaneously
Saaaaaame
ayzrulesOP
that's what pagebound is for! heehee
I swear this is a serious rec!! Three Holidays and a Wedding - because Maryam for sure!!
I think it's because we talked about this book so much yesterday, but my mind went there immediately as well đđ¤
I definitely think itâs because we had just talked about it so it was fresh in my mind, but it does fit the list theme for sure đ đŤ
ayzrulesOP
Hahaha I believe you! Added!
this list is gonna break me isnât it đŤ đŤ đŤ
Like Water for Chocolate, could be a good read right now. HBO adapted it into a show and season two is premiering soon.
ayzrulesOP
i had no idea it was a show omg thanks for that mention
ooooo big fan of this idea!!! Moderation by Elaine Castillo would be perfect!
ayzrulesOP
ahh thank you! added it!
The Lesbianaâs Guide to Catholic School fits this!! The MC is an eldest daughter constantly putting herself on the back burner to take care of the family despite the fact that she is a teenager
ayzrulesOP
added, thanks so much for the rec!
This is a very thoughtful and interesting list! Variations on a Dream sounds so good đ¤Š.
ayzrulesOP
eee thank you, glad you like it :D i'm excited to check that one out!!
the four winds by kristin hannah!
ayzrulesOP
thank you!!! i added it!
yes! the FMC doesnt exactly give oldest daughter vibes BUT it follows the story of her life over decades and halfway through we start getting alternating chapters from her daughters perspective who DEFINITELY gives these vibes and by the halfway point her daughter is just as much of a FMC.
ayzrulesOP
Gosh that sounds so cool though??? Keen to try reading this soon!
Lolll thank u for making this! I was just thinking of this list idea yesterday and was looking up when national eldest daughters day is and everything (itâs August 26 in case you were wondering đ)
ayzrulesOP
whoa that's crazy and it's right around my birthday too! gonna pretend they made it for me đââď¸đââď¸
