Beyond the Myths: Mother-Daughter Relationships in Psychology, History, Literature and Everyday Life

This text invites women to question their own situation, exploring the psychology of mother-daughter relationships through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and the myths and reflexes that reinforce blame and guilt and prevent change. It gives fresh consideration to the complex role of fathers in mother-daughter relationships and to the shared experiences of siblings, and suggests practical ways of healing rifts and building better relationships. Reaching beyond psychology and history, the book explores the insights of classic and contemporary fiction, from Jane Austen and the Brontes to Virginia Woolf, Colette and Doris Lessing. The interpretations illustrate how mother-daughter conflict is not only necessary but fruitful as an impetus to the creation of our own autonomy and individuality.