Ann Patchett is a member of American literary royalty, so I am probably not going to say anything surprising in this review. I recently listened to The Dutch House in preparation for recording a podcast episode. I will admit that it started a little slow. However, since it was read by Tom Hanks, I stuck with it, and I am glad I did.
Books that are more literary, typically require more commitment and more engagement than your average genre fiction, and this is true for The Dutch House. The story starts when the protagonist is a child and moves fluidly through the timeline of his life, sometimes in childhood, sometimes in adulthood, without a lot of explanation or transition. As a structure, it is challenging. But it also pays off, because by seeing Danny’s life from various vantage points, Patchett is able to reveal and hide information about Danny, Maeve, their father, and especially their mother in such a way as to keep the tension high in this quiet novel. There are no explosions, no kidnappings, no action sequences—this is the story of a dysfunctional, but loveable family. The reader immediately feels empathy for Danny and Maeve, and this bond, though tested, stays strong for the length of the novel.
The emotional connection is what separates this story and elevates it—well that and the beautiful writing. Because the reader cares so much what will happen to these two characters, they keep turning the pages, or in my case listening to Tom Hanks read. It is a moving story that will leave the reader with some unanswered questions, another hallmark of literary fiction. Nothing is really tied up in a bow, but the story and the characters will stay with you. You will be thinking about The inhabitants of The Dutch House long after you close the book.
If you are looking for a book to enjoy for beauty and emotional connection, give this one a try.