Ann Patchett has a gift for storytelling that is accessible and straightforward . In The Dutch House she uses the family home as a mechanism to allow the reader to be the proverbial "fly on the wall" and showing the bond that grows between the two siblings who are the predominant characters in the book. This is another stellar novel by the author whose previous books have been a store favorite. An easy recommendation to any readers who love family sagas!

I really loved this book! A story of siblings and what they go through in life and how it revolves around the good and not so good memories associated with the house they grew up in and how it changes their lives. The characters were interesting and compelling, keeping you wanting to learn more.

I really enjoyed The Dutch House and was so excited for it because I’m a big fan of Patchett! I love a story with family dynamics and this one was told with such heart and soul.

I loved the bond between the siblings, and following their stories as they grew older.

*Thank you netgalley and publisher for this gifted ebook.

This was a really interesting book to me. The whole time I was reading it, I felt like I shouldn't be enjoying it, because nothing really HAPPENS. It doesn't have big, exciting plot points or action that pulls you along, desperate to find out what happens next. And yet, somehow, I was totally engaged and really enjoyed it. Maybe it's just Ann Patchett's ability to so completely bring characters to life? Or the fact that the characters were so human and relatable? Or the fact that the world she creates in the book feels so vivid and real? In any case, I really loved immersing myself in the novel and in the relationship between Danny and his sister Maeve. Highly, highly recommend this one.

I know that I am in a very small minority, but I was unable to get into this book. I read 37% of it and it was a slog. I appreciate the opportunity to read it. Since I didn't finish it, I will not post ratings or reviews for it.

A warm story about family relationships that are focused on the Dutch House. The narrator is Danny whose life is affected by events that occur in the Dutch House. His mother's disappearance at a young age, a father who is reticent about sharing, a sister who takes the role of mother, a stepmother and 2 stepsisters who become a part of the Dutch House. Ann Patchett is a wonderful storyteller.

4.1 - probably too long, but it still held my interest; resonant, memorable characters; not a bad suggestion for reading over the holidays to give yourself some perspective on your own family quirks

This book doesn’t really fit into any one category. It pegs itself as a multigenerational story but, while there are many generations they aren’t the focus. It starts off seeming as if it might be some kind of revenge drama, or childhood trauma drama, and it kind of is that but not really. There’s not really a plot beyond two people growing up and going from childhood to adulthood. So if you like plot, don’t bother with this one. If you are looking for an interesting character study for 2/3rds of the book that fails in the final act, this is your story.

The “Dutch House” is more than just a house. To Cyril, it’s the sign of his new wealth. To Elna, it’s the symbol of everything that has gone wrong in her marriage. To Andrea, it’s an obsession. To Maeve and Danny, it is the world they were abruptly cast out from.
In a novel that spans decades, the reader discovers how much influence a single person, or place, can have over an individual’s future. Patchett once again shows that she is the master of dysfunctional family dynamics; her characters are innately flawed but also sympathetic. If you are looking for book with substance that is also compulsively readable, this is a great option.

‘The Dutch House’ joins Ann Patchett’s other wonderful novels. We follow siblings, Danny and Maeve, growing up in the imposing Dutch House bought by their father as he establishes a successful real estate business. But the family dynamic is far from perfect – their mother eschews this new lifestyle and the house that symbolizes wealth. She ends up abandoning her family for a life serving others. Their detached father re-marries and so enters, Andrea, the wicked stepmother who upon the father’s early death, banishes Maeve and ensures the future of her two daughters at the expense of Danny and Maeve. Danny, our narrator, takes us along through several decades from the siblings’ childhood to their adulthood. It’s a story filled with wonderfully well-developed characters, including the house itself. Patchett captures the emotions of growing up, investigates the depths of forgiveness and revenge, and brings us along as we observe different ways of defining relationships and families. It’s a book to savor as it builds upon itself.

If you like stories with an easy literary style and a deliciously evil character to root against, The Dutch House might be the book for you. The house of the title plays a major role in the story as the father of our narrator moves his family into this mansion as a symbol of his success. Unfortunately his wife hates all the house symbolizes and flees the scene and the marriage as the book opens. We then follow Danny and his older sister Maeve through their motherless childhood, into adulthood and through their lives. Their relationship is. the most important one in the story and in Danny’s life. He is loved and supported by Maeve in every situation, and she is by far the most complex and interesting character in the book. Danny the narrator, seems stunted emotionally and never feels or expresses himself as deeply as his sister. As a result his story is somewhat muted and so is his life. What should be the most important relationships of his life — his father, mother and wife — all take a back seat to his protector Maeve, Yet the reader’s perception of even this sibling relationship is not deep because Danny’s emotional development is incomplete. . I would have loved to have followed this story through the eyes of Maeve who showed courage and grit in standing up to the evil stepmother of the story. Instead we have the very unsatisfactory responses of Danny who seems afraid to rock the boat. I think this book could have been so much more and even the Dutch House comes across as an overpriced house in the suburbs.

I was very excited about reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett after reading several reviews about it and I was not disappointed in the least. Rather I was hooked right from the start. Ann Patchett's writing was brilliant. She brought to life a version of a Hansel and Gretel with a modern day approach. It was centered around the themes of a loveless childhood, banishment and a very controlling, plotting and cruel step-mother in a most believable way. The Dutch House was about a special bond between siblings, a sister and a brother, the house, the Dutch House, where they grew up and the effects their pasts had on their present day lives. This was definitely my most favorite book by Ann Patchett.

Danny and Maeve's father surprised his wife and mother of his children, Elna, with a gift one day. After taking a long drive, the family arrived on the outskirts of Philadelphia at a very unique house. As they pulled up to the house, Cyril (Danny and Maeve's father) told their mother that he had bought The Dutch House for her. When they entered the house Elna's reaction was not exactly what Cyril expected. To Elna, The Dutch House was more of a museum with all its ornate furnishings than a home. Elna never felt comfortable within the walls of the Dutch House. The only room that she felt at ease in was the kitchen. Beside the "stuffy, ornate furnishings" Elna was gifted household help. These women became her allies and confidants and for Danny and Maeve they became their "fairy godmothers". Cyril was not a warm, loving, fuzzy father. He was strict, successful, and hard-working but lacked the ability to show his love to his own children. Elna had always had the calling of being a nun or helping those in less fortunate circumstances. Living at the Dutch House began to put pressure and discontentment at the forefront of Elna's life. Although she loved her children, this discontentment was too strong for her to ignore. Not long after moving into the Dutch House, Danny and Maeve's mother abandoned them. The two siblings forged a very special bond with each other. Maeve almost took on the role of mother to Danny. Danny relied on his sister completely. Their father retreated into himself even more after their mother's disappearance. Sandy and Jocelyn, the housekeepers, become more involved in Danny and Maeve's day to day lives.

Then the very unexpected happened. Cyril brought Andrea home to the Dutch House. From the very beginning Maeve and Danny do not like Andrea but their father seemed to have fallen for her and went along with all her conniving ways. Andrea brought her two daughters to the Dutch House to live with them when Cyril and Andrea got married. The first thing Andrea contrived was to take Maeve's room away from her and give it to one her daughters. Maeve was banished to the attic. Cyril allowed this to happen. Andrea's worst acts were only about to take shape. Neither Maeve nor Danny could have seen these things coming. Andrea was the all encompassing stereotype of the evil step-mother.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett moved me greatly. I was absorbed from the first page and did not want it to end. It was and remains rare to witness a bond so strong between siblings. It was beautiful and yet some may have felt that it was not natural. The house, the Dutch House, held that bond together at its core and would not let go. Even when Danny and Maeve no longer lived there a magnetism from the house pulled at them and brought brother and sister back to it. The Dutch House was told through the voice and memories of Danny. It took place right after World War II and spanned over five decades. The one constant throughout the book was the love that Danny and Maeve shared for one another. I loved the ending. All good things come full circle. I highly recommend The Dutch House by Ann Patchett for all those who have not read it yet.

I received a complimentary copy of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett from Harper Collins Publishers through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley, Ann Patchett and Harpers Collins Publishers for this opportunity to read The Dutch House.

This is one of Ann Patchett books! I loved the story about a brother and sister, evil stepmother and the Dutch house along with the painting. This is a must read!

I really enjoyed this book. Patchett is great at writing interesting characters that come to life. That was the strength of this book. There is some plot, but that is really only the mechanism that draws us into the inner workings of the main characters and the Dutch House. I didn't think this book was quite as good as Bel Canto, but I would still highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a solid literary fiction read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel.

Definitely in my top ten favorite books of the year! 5 stars isn't enough for this beautifully written work of art. This novel is absolutely flawless. You can't help but fall in love with the house, the descriptions of which had me wanting to pack my bags and call a moving company, alongside Danny and Maeve. Utterly absorbing. Cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dutch House is a perfect example of a fine story and nuanced writing. I must be honest; the premise of this book did not intrigue me. I imagined these characters to be shallow and unlikeable. Thank you for proving me wrong. Patchett has created characters with depth and authenticity. Although I read this book, I do wish I’d listened to the audio. I’ve heard that Tom Hanks, who narrates the book, did an outstanding job.

The Dutch house, is a formidable character in this book. It speaks to some and pushes others away. It survives many years of neglect and some years it pulses with attention. It becomes a prize and a burden, and symbolizes so many things, especially wealth and belonging.

This is definitely a character driven book; their actions and behavior are what makes the story rise. Danny, who narrates the book, and his sister Maeve are both meaty characters that book clubs can really dig into. Oddly enough, it vaguely reminds me of another 2019 fave, The Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo. They are both very hard to describe other than they both focus largely on family and the adult children in that family.

I applaud Patchett for getting Type 1 Diabetes right and creating a character who lives with highs and lows. She shows that this disease can come on suddenly, with no warning. The scene that depicts Maeve going low while in the audience of a theater, was done perfectly. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Fans of Patchett and first-timers will be thrilled with this release. I personally sold it to a woman at Costco today. I saw her hemming and hawing, so I did my thing.

A dysfunctional family saga, it took me a while to get into the story. Danny and Maeve live with their father in the Dutch House, a house their father bought for their mother before she left them. When their father meets Andrea, the course of Maeve and Danny’s life changes. The tight bond between Danny and Maeve is tested at times, but their dependence on each other remains he same. I don’t feel the book lived up to the raves, at least for me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this Kindle Arc of The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. I can't say enough about this story. It is absolute perfection. I have read a few of Ann Patchett's books and The Dutch House, by far, is her best work. Not only is it her best work, Not only is it Ms. Patchett's best work, it is one of the best books I've read all year. The Dutch House tells the story of Danny and Maeve, siblings living in Pennsylvania in a wealthy suburb of Philadelphia. The story spans five decades and follows the close relationship between Maeve, the older sibling, and Danny. The Dutch House has elements of the classic abandonment of a parent, death of a parent and wicked step-mother stories. Ms. Patchett's genuine description of a childhood and family lost, starting over and coming full circle are breathtaking. As Maeve and Danny grow into adulthood, their ties from The Dutch House, where they once lived with their parents, can't be broken. The Dutch House was my must-read book of the year and I am honored to have been able to read it and love it.

Ms. Patchett is a wonderful writer. I would read a 300 page book of her describing a tree. While the themes in the Dutch House were not unusual, her approach to this family drama was unique. We learned about the characters not only by their actions but by what was inferred. Jumps back and forth in time made the book seem fast paced and "page-turner-y". Another excellent work by Ms. Patchett.

The blue Oldsmobile station wagon rumbled up the pea gravel driveway parking in front of an aging architectural matron, known locally, as "The Dutch House". The wealthy previous owners, now long dead, remain omnipresent leering down in life-size portraits over the delft blue mantel; their Dutch heritage visible in every room - everything left just as it was the day they died - hairbrushes to bath towels.

Cyril Connor's wife, Elna, is uncomfortable in this neighborhood. When Cyril announces this is their new home, Elna is in shock. Their five-year-old daughter, Maeve, is excited! Her brother, Danny, our narrator, not yet a twinkle in his father eye.

Serving as a docent, Cyril strolled room to room pointing out the silk curtains, flamboyant furniture, and the numerous objets d'art from a bygone era; oblivious to the distress manifestly growing on his wife's face. A man more comfortable with real estate than human relationships. After they move in, the house suffocates Elna. She begins to spend time away from the house. Until one day she simply disappears without a farewell to her children. Their tight-lipped father says she has gone to India.

Years later - the same old blue Oldsmobile is parked across the street from the Dutch House. Maeve now sits behind the wheel with Danny in the passenger seat. Listening in to their nostalgic conversation, it is obvious that devastating things have happened to them after their mother left them. They stare through the massive ground floor windows at the only constant in their past lives - the house - hoping they will find an answer to that unanswerable question -Why? Why to so many things.

As we return to the house with them over the years, we witness Maeve's strength of character and Danny's development into a adulthood guided by his sister's love. Together, this family of two, aided by several loyal friends, show us that in the midst of abject helplessness, life will go on, love will grow, compassion and forgiveness is possible.

After their mother left, their aloof father and the loving household staff established an unconventional family. Like cogs in a well-oiled machine, things ran smoothly for several years; right up to the day their father broke rank and brought home a young woman for a visit. Unlike their mother, Andrea Smith stepped over the threshold, glanced at the fretwork, cornices, and opulent furnishing with reverence and she nearly genuflected in reverence to the old house.

Cyril married Andrea and right from the start, the two Connor children played second fiddle to their step-mother's plans. But as much as Andrea needled, belittled, and provoked anger at every turn, she never dented Maeve's armor or broke the close bond with her younger brother. Behind the scenes, Maeve, despite struggling with her own life-threatening diabetes, provided guidance, protection and affection to Danny and Andrea's two younger children, now living in the Dutch House.

Cyril's sudden death after four years of marriage to Andrea rocked the household. The Connor children are tossed to the wind, penniless and homeless - abandoned once again by a mother figure.

Maeve shows us incredible strength of character and willingness to sacrifice her own dreams to stay close to her brother. They are not perfect and they do struggle but we watch as time and again they pick up the pieces and grow to become incredible adults. The ending is much warmer and fuzzier than you might imagine.

Loved the book. Recommend for book clubs.