A review by javafenn
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow was this an excellent book and made even better listening to Tom Hanks read it! He did a great job at voicing each character and getting the real heart of this family. Danny and Maeve are very reliant on one another even when time and distance keep them apart. Maeve always looks out for Danny and Danny begrudgingly goes to medical school so his sister can stick it to their awful stepmother. The siblings go through so much in a lifetime that the last quarter of the book is so emotional. There was one death that happened so quick and you knew it would eventually but it just happened with no immediate lead up. It hit me like a gut punch and I had to stop for a minute to cry and catch my breath. I really wanted more from this family simply because it was so well written you felt like you knew them. Through loss and abandonment and heartache they remained a united force. 
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