From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

The Dutch House

Ann Patchett

Start date: February 15, 2020

Finish date: March 1, 2020

Discussion: Reading List

Discussion leader: Gina Whitlock

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Reading List

* The Schedule for July through Dec. 2025
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What Members Thought

Nov 13, 2020 Kevin rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, new-york

I lived in the Netherlands for a couple of years and still adore pretty much all things Dutch. This one did not disappoint! A house feels like a main character in this story of 3 generations. And listening to Tom Hanks read it was a big plus!

9 likes · Like · see review

Nov 09, 2019 Tensy (bookdoyen) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction

I love Ann Patchett's writing and am a big fan of her previous novels, Bel Canto, Commonwealth and The State of Wonder. She has a way of writing which is inscrutable in a way that absolutely engrosses the reader in a slowly evolving plot with wonderful characters. This story centers around a fractured family living in a suburb outside Philadelphia told through the point of view of the youngest child, Danny Conroy. It covers a lifespan of conflict, joy, the struggle to follow your dreams, and how ...more

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Jan 08, 2020 Linda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Is it possible???

Is it possible to love the writing but not the story or the characters? Ann Patchett puts words together in charming ways. There are several memorable quotes. But Danny is annoying and spineless. Maeve is such a good sister in many ways, but why does she push her beloved brother to be something he’s not? And what about her boss? Why do I think a big secret died with her regarding that silent vegetable vendor? Not sure how long this will stick in my memory. But I don’t think it w ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2023 Pang rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, 2023

it was a good book, but nothing to rave about in my opinion. i found myself semi invested in the characters, and something was lacking in the plot for me. i didn’t care for the mom’s return, and wasn’t sure of the point of it. and, as much as i love Tom Hanks as an actor, i didn’t care for his narration. perhaps i would have enjoyed it more.

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 20, 2020 Dree rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: the-northeast, pulitzer-all-winner-short, women-s-prize-long-short, 2020-reads

I love Ann Patchett, but this did not feel like one of her best. I listened to the audio with Tom Hanks narrating, so maybe I missed something. But this was a very linear novel about a brother and sister from childhood to middle age. The Dutch House itself was just a prop and I didn't feel it was truly needed for the story--yet the title implies it is the story. It's hard to explain without spoiling, but I did not understand why this house was deemed so important/unimportant--and always by women ...more

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Dec 15, 2019 Happyreader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

A reminder that revenge and grudges are a waste of time, especially with death forever stalking. Thank heavens for the bittersweet release at the end. Wish it had come sooner. As more than one character stated, after a certain amount of time, why hold onto the anger. Mind you, all this could have been avoided with thoughtful estate planning. Again, death forever stalking.

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Apr 26, 2020 Leslie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: new-book-club

I read this on Kindle and I’m so glad I saw neither the blurb nor the cover art before I began. The girl on the cover looks nothing like my conception of Maeve (who is SO boss), and I think the blurb forces some flat interpretations of complex characters.

My first Patchett. Loved it.

(Okay, I looked at the cover again. The coat is great; the wallpaper is great; her hair & face is not what I pictured.)

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Jan 18, 2024 Abbey rated it really liked it

Forgiveness, redemption. Family. 😭

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Dec 24, 2020 Carra rated it it was ok

A book narrated by Tom Hanks?! Don’t mind if I do!!

I don’t know how I feel about this one - I think the main thing I liked was that Tom Hanks was reading it. I think if I had read it myself, I would be highly irritated. Pretty flat story line and honestly, doesn’t end well.

#books #bookstagram #bookreview

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Jan 27, 2020 Barbara rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: book-club, my-kindle-books, literary-fiction

Since I am from Philadelphia, born and raised, and know just about every street & neighborhood North of Market, this book was an interesting read. I liked the characters and the story. A hearty recommendation for Book Clubs, because there is so much to discuss.
bcm 11/22/2019

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