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esthersworld 's review for:
The Dutch House
by Ann Patchett
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.