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anjalisudarsan's review against another edition
5.0
An absolute treat to read Ann Patchett's story, the visuals of the Dutch House were so colorful and memorable throughout! The story was sad, filled with nostalgia and longing for the past and memories, and I felt so much anger toward the stepmother. But I loved how distinct each of these people were, and I felt like I was with them right till the end. Lovedddd this
alulushi's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
justinkhchen's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars
A solid 4 stars story with an added star for Tom Hanks' vibrant narration, which really should be the definitive way to consume The Dutch House. This is a sentimental story masterfully told: a cross-generational tale revolving around a brother and sister, their decades long relationship with each other, as well as their strange obsession for their childhood home. Ann Patchett managed to weave a complex familial drama without swerving into sappy generic territory, instead focusing on deconstructing the lifelong implication of reckless, in-the-moment decisions, with a flair for levity and sarcasm.
The nonlinear structure is a surprising choice for a story that's typically told either chronologically, or through a series of flashbacks. The added complexity definitely enhances the overall experience, like a half-finished puzzle, the reader gets to experience alongside its characters, overlaying the past with the present, and decipher how their previous decisions impact the future.
The Dutch House is a novel of typical length, yet emotionally it feels like an epic, due to its extended timeline (covering at least 50+ years) as well as the frank depiction of the protagonist's family dynamics. Filled with observational charm, The Dutch House elegantly captures the lasting effect of one's upbringing; this is an easy recommendation.
A solid 4 stars story with an added star for Tom Hanks' vibrant narration, which really should be the definitive way to consume The Dutch House. This is a sentimental story masterfully told: a cross-generational tale revolving around a brother and sister, their decades long relationship with each other, as well as their strange obsession for their childhood home. Ann Patchett managed to weave a complex familial drama without swerving into sappy generic territory, instead focusing on deconstructing the lifelong implication of reckless, in-the-moment decisions, with a flair for levity and sarcasm.
The nonlinear structure is a surprising choice for a story that's typically told either chronologically, or through a series of flashbacks. The added complexity definitely enhances the overall experience, like a half-finished puzzle, the reader gets to experience alongside its characters, overlaying the past with the present, and decipher how their previous decisions impact the future.
The Dutch House is a novel of typical length, yet emotionally it feels like an epic, due to its extended timeline (covering at least 50+ years) as well as the frank depiction of the protagonist's family dynamics. Filled with observational charm, The Dutch House elegantly captures the lasting effect of one's upbringing; this is an easy recommendation.
kayleigh214's review against another edition
reflective
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
2.0
annaeslane's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
szirbel's review against another edition
5.0
The audio version narrated by Tom Hanks was fantastic! Loved the sweeping story about a sister and brother and the house that shaped every stage of their lives!
jen312's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t get the hype? This was so boring to me. Would have been a DNF if Tom Hanks wasn’t narrator- he was amazing!