Other People's Children

A Thoughtful Portrait of Modern Family Life

Other People’s Children by Joanna Trollope, published in 1999 by Black Swan, is a compelling domestic drama that explores the emotional complexities of blended families, love, and loyalty. With her signature insight and elegant prose, Trollope delivers a richly layered novel that resonates with the realities of modern relationships.

The story follows a group of adults and children navigating the tangled web of stepfamilies. When Tom marries Elizabeth, both bring children from previous relationships into their new life together. But forming a united family proves far from easy. Old resentments, competing loyalties, and the pain of parental separation challenge their efforts to move forward. As tensions rise, each member of this extended family must confront their own expectations and learn what it truly means to belong.

Trollope excels at capturing the subtleties of human behavior, painting a vivid picture of everyday lives touched by emotional complexity. Other People’s Children is not only a novel about divorce and remarriage—it’s a moving exploration of identity, connection, and the delicate balance between love and obligation.

Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction and emotionally honest storytelling, this novel is a thoughtful and relatable look at the evolving shape of family in the modern world.