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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-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
I was hesitant to read more of Ann Patchett’s work after enjoying Commonwealth and subsequently feeling let down by Tom Lake. But it was worth taking a leap of faith and reading The Dutch House.
It had the best of both worlds—the multi generational narrative, the non linear story telling, the indelible setting, the bonds between the different characters that were tested and reinforced. I found Danny and Maeve to be the most realistic and sympathetic characters in her whole catalogue. The shocking moments were, well, shocking, and their fallout felt earned. The book felt slow in the middle and just as I was thinking to myself that Patchett’s weakness is her pacing, I was roped back in, unable to put the book down until I finished it. I’d honestly give it 4.5 stars, but I’ll round up.
It had the best of both worlds—the multi generational narrative, the non linear story telling, the indelible setting, the bonds between the different characters that were tested and reinforced. I found Danny and Maeve to be the most realistic and sympathetic characters in her whole catalogue. The shocking moments were, well, shocking, and their fallout felt earned. The book felt slow in the middle and just as I was thinking to myself that Patchett’s weakness is her pacing, I was roped back in, unable to put the book down until I finished it. I’d honestly give it 4.5 stars, but I’ll round up.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
What an absolutely wonderful and powerful story! Ann Patchett never disappoints. Beautifully written with the house and all of its inhabitants weaving a story of love, devotion, heartbreak and healing.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
The richness of the characters and the settings - the relationship between between Danny and Maeve/the complicated family dynamics - TOM HANKS narrating the audio book (please listen to this book! GOLD!). Gah! ❤️ The Dutch House is an absorbing read that hit close to home - beautiful and real.
Only issue - Danny and Maeve’s mother felt underdeveloped… like she returned only to drive the plot forward to the author’s intended ending for Danny, Maeve, and the Dutch House.
Only issue - Danny and Maeve’s mother felt underdeveloped… like she returned only to drive the plot forward to the author’s intended ending for Danny, Maeve, and the Dutch House.
"Young people were different in those days - we weren't big fans of thinking things through."
Having this read to me by Tom Hanks made a great book even better. Lots of introspection spurred by this book.
Having this read to me by Tom Hanks made a great book even better. Lots of introspection spurred by this book.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced