Title: The Dutch House           

Author: Ann Patchett              

Genre: Historical Fiction       

Publisher: Harper        

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5 stars 

Synopsis (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.

The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are. Filled with suspense, you may read it quickly to find out what happens, but what happens to Danny and Maeve will stay with you for a very long time.

Review:

Thank you to @harpercollinsca for sending me a copy of this book for review! I absolutely loved it!

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This was my first Ann Patchett book and it did not disappoint! I loved so many different aspects of this book, but first, a quick summary. The book takes place after the Second World War and focuses on Maeve and Danny, two siblings who live in the Dutch House with their father. Their mother left them, and they are forced to come to terms with a new step mother. Maeve is much older than Danny, so she tries to take care of him and offer him a mother figure, even though she is young herself. The book goes on to depict the rest of their lives, and their strange connection to this House that impacted their lives more than they know!

I loved the relationship between Maeve and Danny. Maeve wants what’s best for Danny, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes for him to get it. Through all their ups and downs, they are always there for one another and I thought their connection was truly beautiful. I think Maeve is my favourite character just because she is such a strong character that faces adversity head on! Danny is strong too, but just in a different way!

The writing is also amazing! Patchett is able to paint this picture of a family struggling to find their place in this world, and is able to connect the reader to a house that doesn’t seem that important, but ultimately is in the long run! I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a family tale!

Happy reading!