I won't lie, my first impulse to read The Dutch House came from it's name. I'm half-Dutch and lived in the Netherlands for most of my childhood. I have very fond memories of the architecture and the people, which means I hoped for some kind of nostalgia from The Dutch House. Ann Patchett gave me much more than that. Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As The Guardian notes in its review, the 'immense “folly” at the heart of this novel' is the Dutch House itself. The concept of the 'folly' comes from medieval morality plays and is usually shown as a character leading the protagonist astray, or at least attempting to. In The Dutch House, the house itself is what influences all the characters. Beautiful inside and out, it is the locus for many of the novel's most dramatic scenes. It's where families are created and broken, where good fortune meets bad fate. It is full of the belongings of its previous, Dutch inhabitants who either died tragically in the war or of illness. It is also full of childhood memories for our narrator Danny Conroy, who never knew another home. The house is a place of love, memory, grief and mistakes, and these themes continue to play throughout the novel.

Aspects of different fairy tales echo strongly through The Dutch House, especially Cinderella. With their mother tragically disappeared, Danny and Maeve are exposed to a new step-mother, Andrea, with two young daughters who exacts their banishment. The two siblings now set out not unlike Hansel and Gretel, except that the new reality they find themselves in is the true witch's house. Devoid of inheritance, Maeve makes Danny bilk an education trust set aside for them and Andrea's children, laboring for a profession he has no intention of taking on. There are surprise reveals, fairy godmothers of a sort, amoral saints and a deep sense of tragic fate. As Patchett writes: “They had all become characters in the worst part of a fairytale.” There is no escaping where their path is leading, and yet both Maeve and Danny take one step at a time, overcoming and reliving. There is no magical solution and a lot of life will feel wry and cruel, yet Patchett never forgets the magic of the small moments.

Told non-chronologically, Patchett relays the entire life of Danny and Maeve's consistent presence in it. The narrative loops back and forth through time, revealing much before it has happened and yet never losing its tension. Patchett's novel asks its reader how we cope with grief and with the past. Can we reconcile ourselves with it? Is revisiting the place of loss beneficial or not? Should those who transgress against us be punished, and if yes, how? And is history bound to repeat itself? For all these big questions, Patchett has written a beautiful novel, full of heart-warming and heart-breaking moments that show us the true impact of family. I adored Maeve, she is one of my favourite characters I've read in a while. She is full of heart, stubborn, proud and deeply wounded. Through her major 'folly', but also through her straightforward yet magical writing, Patchett crafts a story that is both benediction and conviction for its characters. At the end, I walked away feeling that I had read something true.

The Dutch House is a beautiful novel, one that kept me constantly, deeply engaged with its characters. This was my first experience reading Patchett but I have developed a deep affection for her writing and can't wait to dig into her other novels. But The Dutch House will stay on my mind for a long time.

I just finished The Dutch House and am wiping tears from my eyes. What a lovely story told in a style all Ann Patchett's! Having it read to me by Tom Hanks (through the magic of Audible), added a special touch as Tom's distinctive vocal intonations brought Danny to life through every stage from young boy to adulthood/parenthood. The relationship between Danny and Maeve, much like wartime compatriots, was born from shared pain and experiences. Tied together through love, and devoted to each other come what may, you would have a hard heart not to love them both given the childhood they endured. Their car time reflections were icing on the cake for me and moments to cherish. Though both were bruised from their younger years, they still had shared times of levity that gave them hope.

If I am honest, I was put off by the cover but now, in the afterglow, the cover couldn't have been anything else and I am so pleased it was Maeve's portrait. The Dutch House seemed as if it would provide a palatial, cossetted existence but really it was a fragile facade masking unhappiness for each generation that dwelled within. A real pity but so well depicted. Especially poignant were the relationships providing tenderness and caring - with Sandy and Jocelyn. Even Fluffy. These people cared for Danny and Maeve and gave every small comfort they could to ease their sense of abandonment. The light touch of Ann Patchett is her trademark. Simply excellent.

Books like these are slow burners, they start off far too gentle but then work their way in to your life as reflections of your reality.

There are plenty of similar books, but this is beautifully written, descriptions are clear and colourful. This family saga is relatable and a class above. A great holiday read.

Ann Patchett's THE DUTCH HOUSE is a wonderfully detailed story that spans many years, focusing on the lives of brother and sister Danny and Maeve Conroy. Having spent their formative childhood years growing up in a beautifully built and crafted home, their lives are changed for ever when the Dutch House is taken from them.

This story spans many years in Maeve and Danny's lives, from childhood through to adolescence, college, marriage, children, middle age and later still. Ann Patchett takes an intricate look at the foundations of the Conroy family, often through the lens of Danny and Maeve's parents and the sometimes juxtaposing lives they tried to build for their children. It's that type of book that has those moments where you can feel parts of your own fmaily life reflected in certain sentences and passages - the sort of writing that evokes strong feelings about even the most mundane of everyday things.

THE DUTCH HOUSE has a really nice storyline arc involving the main characters Maeve and Danny, as well as all the secondary characters involved in their lives. It's lovely to see these people dipping in and out of the story as the years progress, and the ending in particular was so touching and perfect. I also found - and I always love this - that the house was very much a character by itself.

My only slight downer on the book was that I found the pacing fairly slow - only in the way that I didn't have a hugely strong impetus to keep picking up the book to find out what was going to happen next. It's not that I didn't care about the story or the characters, I just didn't find I had that "pull" to the book that would make me dip in to get a couple of pages wherever I could. That being said, it's not quite as appropriate to demand that of a more literary novel like this in the same way you might demand it of a thriller.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Ann Patchett's work.

A wonderful novel about family, and perspectives on the past. Rich characterisation, and beautiful writing. Ann Patchett's best and one of my books of the year.

I really enjoyed this book! Not only was the plot clever and intriguing, but I felt that the characters were ones you could empathise with and fully comprehend their emotional depth! I will absolutely be buying a physical copy and recommending this to everyone!

Ann Patchett is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. I don’t think it’s quite up there with the best of her work but it was still incredibley well written, moving and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend it.

Not that Ann Patchett needs my endorsement, but I found this book exceptionally well written. I don't often find many books exploring the bond between brother and sister and this being such a central part of the plot. Clearly Maeve is more of a mother figure to Danny and this is probably what explains such a strong bond between the characters, and all the sacrifices one do for each other can only be seen in this light. I also like how do the book explores the resentment and abandonment and how they really screw our lives, but it also about forgiveness and how is never too late for it. Personally as a diabetic I like that it was all written with very good taste and I can relate to some of Maeve's feelings.

I don't give five stars easily so believe me when I say this book is worth the read. A simple but intense story brought to life by a commanding and heartfelt piece of writing. Patchett's style won me over from the first as did the colourful way she delivered her characters and their story. I felt as if I knew them and warmed to them straight away.

It's not hard hitting or fast moving, rather moving and thought provoking. I highly recommend this read and will certainly look out for more by the author.

The most beautiful telling of one family's story. Danny and Maeve grow up in the Dutch House, bought from it's late Dutch owners in mysterious circumstances. When their mother disappears, the children are brought up by their father and his staff, and later by their stepmother. Patchett's description of a family with secrets, and stresses and downright bullying is so expertly done, and continues into Danny and Maeve's adulthoods with all the consequences their childhood brings. I loved it.

I had real difficulty with this review as the adjective I wanted to use about every element of this book is ‘perfect’.

Anne Patchett is an author that I have been very much aware of but without having ever read. Praise and awards appear to be synonymous with this author and I now understand why; from almost the very first chapter I was certain I was going to love this novel.

The story is a relatively simple one, defining family and home through the experiences of a small number of characters in few locations over a period of around forty years. And although there are a number of emotionally affecting portions throughout there is no emotional manipulation or overly dramatic plot twist included for its own sake. Ostensibly it is a novel about changed times and lost opportunities but more importantly it speaks of family and connections and the sometimes unlikely and unplanned for and indeed unwished-for ties that bind.

This is a beautifully written book that is literary in the truest sense; it makes the reader aware that the prose is something special and of value but while still caring about the story contained and the way that it is told. And with such wonderful and precise detailing that enhances the story rather than boring the reader, we believe we know the locations in this book and have no option but to genuinely care for the characters and their changing circumstances.

Patchett’s pacing is also exquisite; the story is revealed at a perfect pace that allows us to fully get to know the characters but without feeling that we have outstayed our welcome, whilst simultaneously not allowing the reader to ever want to set down the book nor ever want to reach the end. Perfect.

When I was first sent this novel, the title alone intrigued me. What is the Dutch House? Who is that woman in the cover painting? Is this book set in the Netherlands or maybe in the art world? All good questions which were answered and more in this sumptuous novel of family, family bonds and one house that sees it all. Never has the phrase, ‘if walls had ears’ been more apt.

The Dutch House is located just outside of Pennsylvania and is a grand home with huge windows and an impressive facade as well as interiors to die for. The father of the family has bought the house and how lives there with the son and daughter. We learn that he wanted this house and was very keen to buy it when the previous owners died. The mum is no longer around having apparently walked on on them when the kids were young and now they have a stepmother who seems to be obsessed with the house and how it makes her feel. When the father dies, the house becomes part of a painful tug of war….it’s then that secrets start to come tumbling out.

Ann Patchett is known for her strong characterization and I think The Dutch House itself is one of her strongest. Can a house have a personality and a purpose? Well, yes, it can. It’s this house which allows the family to live there, to be there,which overlooks the changes over the years, views the family dynamics and more. It’s the litmus paper of the family dynamics over the years. If you look at the litmus paper, it would change constantly throughout the novel…..and then just look by the time you get to the end.


An insightful look into family bonds, the meaning of home and how a house can affect those within.

Ann Patchett is an incredible storyteller & this latest offering is her best yet!

This tale of family & sibling relationships is full of dry humour & astute observations that pull the reader in. Then, in only the way Patchett can, she leaves the reader heartbroken but wanting more. Once I was finished I wanted to start it all over again. I’ll be recommending it to more than a few friends. Hi

Ann Patchett is one of my absolute favourite authors. I love her gentle but pointed prose and I look forward with eager anticipation for every new book. This book did not disappoint, the tone is so perfect and she drew me in from the first sentences. It is always such a relief when an author you love delivers you another book that you love.

This is the story of a brother and sister, their mother has 'run away to India' as they are told when they are children. Danny and Maeve are left with their father, Cyril, in a magnificent house, a house which has remained largely untouched after the previous owners died, the house has personality, it is glass and from the street you can see all the way through it, nobody else in their town has a house anything like this mansion, but a lovely house doesn't necessarily mean a happy home. The children live there with their largely absent father and the housekeepers and cook who look after them as if they were their own. Maeve is considerably older than Danny and assumes the role of his protector and this continues all their lives. It is this relationship which makes the book so special. When Cyril brings home Andrea his wife to be, she immediately takes against the children, her jealousy and rage permeate the house, poison the atmosphere and when she comes to move in she arrives with two daughters that Maeve and Danny had no idea to expect. Why didn't Andrea mention at any point that she had two small daughters? Why has Cyril chosen such an unsuitable person to marry? Why is Andrea so incredibly spiteful to these perfectly pleasant children? The story unravels these mysteries and the stories of all of the characters.

I loved these people, I became incredibly caught up in their lives, this is the gift Ann Patchett passes to her readers, an involvement in their stories and a deep feeling of attachment for these people, some of whom are difficult and prickly, but as you unravel the complex web you come to understand their struggles and trials.

This is sitting right up there with my top books of the year. I'm off to buy myself a paper copy because this is a book to keep and to go back to. And I'm sure on the next reading I'll have a little sob in the same place that I did this first reading. Sigh. Lovely. Sigh.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for giving me access to this treasure.

Danny Conroy grows up in the Dutch House. A beautiful and unusual house owned by his Father. Danny & his sister Maeve have an enjoyable, if unusual, childhood until his Father remarries. Andrea and her step-children don’t always see eye to eye. We follow Danny & Maeve as they grow up and go out into the world. Their highs, their lows and their ordinary everyday.

This isn’t a fast paced book with plenty of action. Nor are there dynamic twists or great reveals. It ambles along at its own pace allowing the reader to enjoy the ebb and flow of Danny & Maeve’s lives. There are sad moments & amusing moments. It kept me engrossed and wanting to continue to read.

I loved this book. It was very rich in its characters, description and vocabulary. It was a joy to read. I haven’t read any of Anne Patchett’s previous works but I do intend to seek them out.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

This is such a well-written book and would make a good choice for a book group as there are so many different layers swirling through it. In essence, it is the story of a family and the house they grew up in. Narrated by Danny, the main character is his sister, Maeve, but the one constant in his life is the Dutch House of the title. Ann Patchet illustrates the dynamics of family life beautifully - I enjoyed every word.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett was everything I love in a book.

The novel is set and surrounds itself with the Dutch House, an enormous, magnificent museum of a house which Danny and his sister Maeve grow up in, and it continues to feature in their lives well after they leave it. I was worried the focus on the house would detract from the story itself, but this book is very character driven (my favourite), and the reader follows Danny and Maeve’s lives until well into their fifties.

I think some of my favourite books are about relationships between family members, and that’s just what this is: the heart of the book is the sibling relationship, but also their mother and father are important parts of their story. I love the way she showed that family members are the most important people in each other’s lives and equally the most frustrating.

A gripping tale of a family that goes from rags to riches after the 2nd world war.
The father creates an empire of property ownership, with The Dutch House being his cherry on the cake.
But great wealth does not bring great happiness and the story unfolds with the lives of all being destroyed and rebuilt in very different ways.
A pleasant read with no great surprises but worth reading till the end.

This is the first novel I have read by Ann Patchett so I was very eager to read The Dutch House. I was drawn in to the story by the imagery of the house and the power the building seemed to have on all it's occupants.

The story was a sad one. A tale of heartache, loss, belonging, family and forgiveness. Siblings Danny and Maeve went through so much in their early childhood that it continued to haunted them throughout their adult lives. The Dutch House seemed to draw them back and be a constant figure in their lives even when they no longer belonged there. It became almost as important to them as a family member.

A well written novel with strong robust characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of The Dutch House..

I enjoyed this novel, the writing and its themes very much, but I didn't love it the way I loved Commonwealth. This was largely due to finding the adult Danny hard to empathise with, but mostly because I was much more interested in Maeve as a character. That's down to me, not a weakness of the novel - parts of it are very moving.