'The Dutch House' by Ann Patchett is a family drama centered around the lives of brother and sister, Danny and Maeve, who are deeply connected to the Dutch House, the mansion near Philadelphia where they were raised. The story spans over fifty years and two generations, exploring themes of love, pain, grief, joy, and regret. The narrative is told through Danny's perspective, delving into their haunted past, complicated family dynamics, and the impact of their mother's abandonment.
The writing style of 'The Dutch House' is described as absorbing, generous, and compelling. The author creates a world that captivates readers, drawing them into the lives of the characters and the central element of the Dutch House. The novel navigates through time jumps, exploring the intricacies of relationships, the concept of home, ownership, class, and privilege, making it a poignant and emotionally resonant read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Dutch House include themes of abandonment, emotional neglect, and family dysfunction.
From The Publisher:
Lose yourself in the story of a lifetime - the unforgettable Sunday Times bestseller
'Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than literature' Guardian
Longlisted for the Women's Prize 2020
A STORY OF TWO SIBLINGS, THEIR CHILDHOOD HOME, AND A PAST THAT THEY CAN'T LET GO.
Like swallows, like salmon, we were the helpless captives of our migratory patterns. We pretended that what we had lost was the house, not our mother, not our father. We pretended that what we had lost had been taken from us by the person who still lived inside.
'The best book I've read in years' Rosamund Lupton
'Her finest novel yet' Sunday Times
'The buzz around The Dutch House is totally justified. Her best yet, which is saying something' John Boyne
'A masterpiece' Cathy Rentzenbrink
'Bliss' Nigella Lawson
Ratings (98)
Incredible (23) | |
Loved It (35) | |
Liked It (26) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (157):
Read It (102) | |
Want To Read (43) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (10) |
7 comment(s)
3.5⭐️ rounded up
It’s hard to explain literary fiction books. This is one of those books that doesn’t really have a point but the point is to enjoy it and examine the relationships in the book. It is about families and relationships and holding grudges. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks! Literary fiction is not my favorite genre but if you like literary fiction you will probably love it. It is one of those books that makes you look at the relationships in your life and appreciate how important they are.
Of course I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks! He narrated the book great and I enjoyed the book more because of that then I would reading it, but that being said the book wasn't really for me. Which I'm not surprised with as I wasn't that intressed in reading it until I realized who narrated it. But the book itself was okay, enjoyed the whole family theme to it and liked doing a deep dive in their life.
Listen to the audiobook, Tom Hanks really brings the characters to life
3.5
This book started out so strong! I absolutely loved Patchett's writing and beautiful depiction of childhood. About halfway through, the pace slowed tremendously, and the ending left me wondering what this story was meant to convey. If you're considering reading, I truly recommend the audiobook! Tom Hanks' narration is absolutely wonderful -- he brings such life to the story and characters.
What a BORING book. I don’t understand why all the great reviews. Tom Hanks narrating was the best part of the audiobook. The story was lacking.
Highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Tom Hanks.
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The Dutch House?
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