Questions About Commonwealth

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I am reading Ann Patchett's "Commonwealth." It's my first Patchett and WOW... now I want to dive in to all things Patchett. Any recommendations of where I should land next?

Barbara Bel Canto is my favorite Patchett and one of my favorite books I've read.…moreBel Canto is my favorite Patchett and one of my favorite books I've read.(less)

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Debbie Jo Just had the pleasure of hearing Ann Patchett speak at Boswell Books in Milwaukee last night - with Jane Hamilton - can you believe it! A similar ques…moreJust had the pleasure of hearing Ann Patchett speak at Boswell Books in Milwaukee last night - with Jane Hamilton - can you believe it! A similar question was asked - about wondering if he had been shot. No intention to make readers think this - it was the bee sting.(less)

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Why does almost every list of 2016's best books have Commonwealth on it? I think it's a good novel, with an interesting situation where kids from two different families interact throughout their lives. You see them grow into stable adults, but it's not particularly well-written. The language doesn't lift the story or people out of the ordinary, and I don't see why it should get the great praise it has received.

Karen I think was very well-written, not dense or flowery, but with great characterizations illustrated by behavior, not by physical description. I enjoyed …moreI think was very well-written, not dense or flowery, but with great characterizations illustrated by behavior, not by physical description. I enjoyed hissing at Bert for being such a poor excuse for a father, bringing all four of his children out for the summer (good!), but then dumping all of the responsibility on Bev...and Ernestine (hiss!) We later find out that Bert had told his first wife, Teresa, that he wanted lots of children, but after they began having them, he quickly began dodging responsibility for their care...which is how he came to be at the Keaton's house (uninvited) for Franny's christening party. And Fix, such a good man and such a great father, missed so much of his daughters' childhood. The book's other great strength (in my opinion) is its structure. I loved the way Patchett was able to go back and forth in time and weave in and out of the various lives, and ultimately leave the reader both satisfied AND wanting more.(less)

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What is the significance of the title”Commonwealth “?

Cathy Sargent Here's what I'm getting: First, the state of Virginia is often called a "Commonwealth," and Virginia is the place where the step-siblings lay the foun…moreHere's what I'm getting: First, the state of Virginia is often called a "Commonwealth," and Virginia is the place where the step-siblings lay the foundations of their relationships during their summers together under the "supervision" of Bert and Beverly. Also, a commonwealth is a self-governed group, organization, unit, etc., which is what the tribe of children become. Ultimately, the many branches of the blended family become a bigger tribe, who accept and look out for one another and the common good as the years roll along. Hope that helps!(less)

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