From The Forsyte Saga and Buddenbrooks to The Swiss Family Robinson writers of fiction have been obsessed by certain families, but their novels pale beside such an authentic record as The House of ...

Where to: Silver Girl in West Acton. Why: For Southern-inflected food and drink in a vogueish lair that blends lounge vibes with antique dining room whimsy. The backstory: As a kid growing up in ...