Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, 3.8 stars

[Amy]

This was engaging, but in a more quiet and subtle way. It takes its time and captures 50 years of two entertwined families in various moments over time. It almost never shows you the action. Rather it shows you how the action and events played out. You see the characters dealing with the debris and fallout and how these untold events become part of who they are and how they relate. Its almost as if every scene starts at the end, and then there are shadows or unravellings that hint at the action. It’s different, and very Ann Patchett. There are a number of characters that get developed more and less, and at different paces and places in the book. Their relationships to each other are interesting. Ultimately, it was a well written and enjoyable read. As I said, quiet and subtle, but moving – in terms of both its flow and its impact.