This book investigates the intricate relationship between family secrets and the psychoanalytic interpretation of narrative structures. Esther Rashkin, drawing on her expertise in psychoanalysis and literary studies, examines how hidden familial histories and unspoken truths shape the way stories are told and understood. The work posits that the very act of narrating is influenced by the presence or absence of these concealed elements, impacting character development and plot resolution.

The Princeton Legacy Library edition suggests a scholarly audience interested in the intersection of psychoanalysis and literary theory. The title implies a focus on deep textual analysis and theoretical frameworks rather than a broad overview. The subject matter points to a dense, academic text likely to appeal to specialists in the field.