I have to admit that I got lost inside the book, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. The story is so good that it kept drawing me in, as did the house, which becomes symbolic of everything that happens in the book. This historical fiction novel was published in September, 2019 and was a #ReadwithJenna (Jenna Bush Hager) Book Club selection. I listened to it on the Libby app from my public library, Orange County Library Systems. The reader of the audio version of the book is Tom Hanks. He plays the part of Danny, who narrates the novel. Tom Hanks is the perfect narrator for this book. He also narrated the audio version of his book, Uncommon Type, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book begins with Cyril Conroy buying the Dutch House for his wife as a wedding present. The historic home is in the Philadelphia suburbs and already has quite a history of its own from the previous owners. His wife hates the Dutch House. Cyril and his wife have two children, Maeve and Danny. Then one day, his wife leaves Cyril and the children. As a result, Maeve and Danny become very close. Eventually, Cyril marries Andrea, who loves the Dutch House. Andrea is the evil stepmother and this is when I noticed the book’s parallel to a fairy tale. Cyril passes away unexpectedly, and Andrea thrusts Maeve and Danny into poverty.
The author weaves such a beautiful story, even with all of the heartbreak. Danny and Maeve’s relationship is central to the story, as is their unbreakable bond to the Dutch House. This story is one that goes full circle with all of their lives intertwining. I really loved this book. It is also in the genres of Domestic Fiction and Epic Fiction. It is an epic tale.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Another book you may enjoy by Ann Patchett is Commonwealth.
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