'Intrinsic to "Cloudstreet" is the family unit out of which a complex fabric of ideas is woven.'

Tim Winton's "Cloudstreet" tells the story of two families forced together in the same house. Through the conflict within and between the two families, Winton explores the importance of family, and through this concept he examines the concepts of identity, gender roles and reconciliation. The idea of family is intrinsic to "Cloudstreet". The section "Fatted Calf" demonstrates the complexity of relationships in families. Lon calls Fish "...a Clydesdale. A monster!" and this highly patronizing tone …

…and suggests that once the cycle completes itself, harmony and happiness will follow. Winton weaves the pertinent issues of identity, gender and reconciliation in Cloudstreet through the idea of family. Family is shown to be an integral part of our lives. In a society which is very much fragmented, Cloudstreet captures a sense of nostalgia for a time. In short, Cloudstreet is a moving epic which seeks to remind us of the value of family.