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

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 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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the viridian priestess fits this!

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Thank you💕💕💕

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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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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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