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Title: The Dutch House
Author: Ann Patchett
Narrator: Tom Hanks
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Audience: Adult
Format: Audiobook
My Review:
Every time I read a book by Ann Patchett, I wonder why I don’t read her work more often. She’s a thoughtful, beautiful writer. I guess I’m spreading out the love by reading her books slowly.
This book is an exploration of family relationships and the bonds between siblings and between parents and children. Are we doomed to follow our parents’ footsteps? Patchett also looks at the things we do for spite versus the things we do for love. The people who love us most can also be blind to the ways they tear us apart. She also explores how yearning for the past and holding grudges robs the present of its joy. When is enough enough? When is it time to let go?
I listened to the audiobook read by Tom Hanks and it was delightful. It’s a stupid thing to say but Tom Hanks just sounds so much like Tom Hanks and don’t we all love him as an actor?
I highly recommend this book, especially on audio.
Synopsis from GoodReads:
At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.
The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.
Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives, they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.
Similar Books:
If you liked The Dutch House, you might also like my reviews of
- Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, read by Anna Fields
- State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
- Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Reading Challenges:
Purchase:
Buy The Dutch House from Malaprop’s Bookstore in beautiful Asheville, NC or
3 Comments
I love Patchett’s novels and would have a difficult time picking a favorite. State of Wonder is outstanding, as is Bel Canto. I hope to re-read that one now that there’s an annotated edition.
I had completely forgotten that I did a read/listen combo with The Dutch House. I just re-read my review and couldn’t believe I’d forgotten I’d listened to Tom Hanks! He is a great audiobook reader. From my review: I’ve never done a read/listen combo, but after hearing great things about the audiobook, which is narrated by Tom Hanks, I knew I wanted to listen rather than read the book. As it turned out, I also wound up with a print copy, so I decided to listen on my walks and read at night. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to mark a few passages in the book and have Hanks entertain me while I walked. Speaking of Hanks, he is a great audiobook reader! I appreciated that other than softening his tone for the women, he didn’t try to alter his voice between characters; no dreaded high-pitched female voices, which is so annoying. Hank’s pacing was perfect and he was able to convey feelings with authentic emotion, whether it be humor, surprise, anger or sadness. I’m not sure whether Hanks became Danny or Danny became Hanks, but his voice rings true. If he (Hanks) ever wants to give up his day job, I would gladly listen to more audiobooks narrated by him!
Bel Canto was fantastic on audio. I really liked State of Wonder too but read it in print. I saw a signed annotated edition of Bel Canto and was very tempted to buy it. Maybe I’ll add it to my wishlist for my birthday. I would listen to pretty much anything that Tom Hanks wants to read!
Oh, Tom Hanks reading the book sounds good. I wonder if I could get past knowing it’s him since his voice is so distinctive.