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A review by justinkhchen
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
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.