The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.
Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives, they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
The first time our father brought Andrea to the Dutch House, Sandy, our housekeeper, came to my sister’s room and told us to come downstairs.
Before I even say anything about the book itself, I will tell you that you must listen to the audiobook. It is narrated by Tom Hanks and his voice is a dream. If you narrated every audiobook from now on I would be happy. I will say that because he has such an iconic voice it was a little bit jarring at first!
Now to the my thoughts on the actual book. I now understand why Ann Patchett is so beloved. There is something about the way that she writes characters and their connections to one another that is really special. What I particularly loved about The Dutch House was that it centered around the relationship between a sister and a brother. As someone with a younger brother, this was a joy to read about!
I will tell you that not a lot happens in this book. It is very much character-driven as we follow these two siblings from childhood through their adulthood. It allows you to become completely invested in their lives and it was interesting to see the way that their childhood affected their paths in life.
Yes. If you love a slower, more lush novel where you form a connection with the characters, this is the book for you.
Which Ann Patchett book should I read next?
All of her books I’ve read are character driven like this one, so you’ll probably like everything. Commonwealth is another one about family. The Magician’s Assistant is really interesting, and it’s about unrequited romantic love. Bel Canto was the first I read and probably my favorite. A group of strangers at a party are trapped by a terrorist group, and you’re with all the characters throughout the hostage situation. I highly recommend those.
That is great to hear! I was leaning towards Bel Canto because people often tell me it is their favourite. I had no idea what it was about. I’m intrigued for sure. Thanks!!
I loved this book, and I especially loved Tom Hanks’ reading of it! I too was worried it would be distracting, because you can’t forget he’s Tom Hanks. But he really inhabited the character of Danny so well. I loved Commonwealth, another “slow” family novel. I haven’t read any of her others but I have Bel Canto on the shelf.
He really did an incredible job. I hope he continues to narrate audiobooks!
Commonwealth sounds perfect for me. Thanks!!
Had I known Tom Hanks was the narrator I would have bought the audiobook! Instead I got the physical book. I loved it nonetheless. Ann Patchett truly has a gift for writing good characters. I also really enjoyed Bel Canto. I have a copy of Commonweath that I got at a flea market but I haven’t gotten around to reading it.
Commonwealth and Bel Canto are the two I am going to pick up! She is great at creating characters.
I loved the narration by T H! I’m not sure I would have loved the book as much in a physical format…it’s rather sad. Patchett is an amazing writer though if you enjoy character driven!
It is definitely sad. I think she might become a favourite author of mine!
Truth & Beauty is my favorite. I really liked TDH
I have not heard much about that one. Will check it out!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this! It was one of my favourite books of 2019. I’m very tempted to invest in the audiobook too so I can regularly revist it in Tom Hanks’ soothing tones!
You must!! The audiobook is incredible.