Reviews

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

saranies's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A beautifully written book. The synopsis says that the book by Franny's lover is the cause for the family to reconcile with all that passed among them, but I think that's not entirely correct. It served as a catalyst for some of the children, but it really seemed that growing older was all it took.

Although the first two chapters felt slow and left me apathetic to lives of the characters, I felt that I fell into it by the third chapter, for lack of a better description. The characters and their world suddenly became more real and I was surrounded by them (in a good way). Would recommend to anyone looking for a good book to read about parents and children and the relationship that happens between them.

kimthroughbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Looking back to last year, I gave Tom Lake a 3 rating, but that was before doing .5 ratings.  I did like Commonwealth better than Tom Lake, so in retrospect, I would give Tom Lake a 2.5 rating also. 

cjconway2's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

moi_stephanie's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A book that probably wouldn't get a good movie adaptation about two families whose story gets made into a book that then doesn't get a good movie adaptation.

Good potential in showing dimension to the characters, but even with all that these characters go through, you're left with the sensation of wanting more.

kenzweth's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

overbooked_va's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

margaretcampbell's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

alexworden's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

hrbie's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

booksconnect's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Brilliant and heart-wrenching. If you are part of a step-family you will commiserate. If you are not, you will be able to walk in other's shoes-and isn't that what every good book does? This is the first book that I have read that captures step-family dynamics so completely. Let it be a cautionary tale for married couples-how one simple moment can change everything for two families. Let it be a tale of hope for those of us living this reality. N The last chapters were perfection and brought me to tears. Heck-the entire book was perfection. Why did it take me so long to read Ann Patchett? I had the pre-conceived notion that her writing was above me-trust me-this one, at least, is accessible for any reader, and there will be something for literary readers, thriller and mystery readers. There is something for all of us in this book.

My only issue was that there were so many characters that I couldn't keep straight which kids were from which "original' family....but maybe that was intentional and representative of what does happen when two families unite.. or attempt
to.....