Brothers, Sisters, Strangers: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation

On Tuesday, January 25th at 6:30 PM, The Book Stall hosts an online program with author Fern Schumer Chapman, discussing her new book, Brothers, Sisters, Strangers: Sibling Estrangement and the Road to Reconciliation. She’ll be in conversation with book group leader Judy Levin. Publishers Weekly says, “The author’s vulnerability turns what could have been a clinical look at family dysfunction into a sensitive, compassionate narrative. Even cynics will find hope in this story of redemption.” This virtual program is free and open to the public.

More About the Book: For the better part of forty years, Fern Schumer Chapman had almost no relationship with her only brother, despite many attempts at reconnection. Her grief and shame were devastating. When she looked for help, she found that a stigma still surrounded estrangement, and very little research existed to help her better understand the rift that had broken up her family. So she decided to conduct her own research, interviewing psychologists and estranged siblings as well as recording the extraordinary story of her own rift with her brother–and subsequent reconciliation. Brothers, Sisters, Strangers is a memoir that illuminates the author’s own story as well as the greater phenomenon of estrangement. Chapman helps readers work through the challenges of rebuilding a sibling relationship that seems damaged beyond repair, as well as understand when estrangement is the best option. It is a detailed framework for understanding sibling estrangement, a beacon of solidarity and comfort for the estranged, and a moving memoir about family trauma, addiction, grief, and recovery.

About the Author: Fern Schumer Chapman is the author of several award-winning books, including Motherland, which was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. Her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Washington Post, Fortune, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. She has taught magazine writing and other seminars at both Northwestern and Lake Forest College.