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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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Maryanne My view: much of the book is written from the perspective of the young children. Since their parents were not very good at the parenting thing, or the…moreMy view: much of the book is written from the perspective of the young children. Since their parents were not very good at the parenting thing, or the communicating thing, not only were they often left to their own (limited!) devices, very little of what was happening was ever actually explained to them. They had tremendous guilt about the gun being in Cal's possession and carried that burden with them through adulthood. Carolyn told them to keep quiet about what happened -- as a child herself, she didn't know what happened and feared she and they had caused Cal's death. They did not. Cal died from a bee sting. Although their childish naivete gives the author a tool with which to build suspense, this is not a cheap plot device -- being children, the characters really never fully understood what had happened to Cal. Thus they were ultimately -- and needlessly -- haunted their entire lives. They didn't realize that in the beginning, Albi wasn't a troublemaker -- he was just a little kid. And like all other kids needed parental supervision. Caroline wasn't a Nazi officer. She was a strong-willed young girl, doing the best she could in uncertain circumstances. Like Albi, she also needed a stronger, guiding hand. Was Teresa at fault? She was raising four kids with no help from their father. Was Beverly to blame? She was often raising six kids, also often on her own. (Although leaving Fix for Bert indicates she was drawn to his looks and swagger, definitely not something her character could be proud of) This story seems to be about the sweeping effects of neglect and abandonment, largely though not entirely, rooted in Bert's egotistical and self-centered ways. (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 Hunt 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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"Franny was in the living room, pulling the cat’s front legs through the armholes of a doll’s dress and crying so quietly that her mother was sure that every single thing she had ever done in her life up until that moment was a mistake." Don't you just love this writing?

Lara A profound moment for me, too. As a child, I was Franny, and it was this description that made me realize how intensely I related to her. By necessity…moreA profound moment for me, too. As a child, I was Franny, and it was this description that made me realize how intensely I related to her. By necessity, adults make choices that impact their kids. And kids live fully immersed in their experiences and emotions, without being able to step back and understand them. (less)

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