aliciac66 's review for:

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

5.0

---

Loved this book. Having Tom Hanks be the narrator (audiobook) was an added bonus. The Conroy Family was exponentially dysfunctional, everyone who had any contact with The Dutch House came away damaged. History repeated itself with Danny and his wife Celeste - Danny was very much like his father Cyril. Those who don’t learn from previous peoples' mistakes are doomed to repeat them (i.e. Danny buying Celeste a house like his Dad did to his own mother). I loved that the author spent time expanding each characters’ personality and how they were affected by the Dutch House. Danny being the narrator caused me to question some of his perceptions when he discussed his mother. My favorite character had to be Mae - Danny’s daughter. She seemed smart, unaffected, open and happy to share her feelings (unlike most of the family). My least favorite character had to be Celeste. She seemed unfocused and unambitious. She had a few redeeming qualities but mostly it felt like she was meant to be “a poodle on a couch”. There is plenty of reflecting happening from the perspective of the narrator. My greatest take away was this book was a great example of forgiveness - of each other, of yourself and especially of those that are lost.