From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

The Dutch House

Ann Patchett

Start date: February 15, 2020

Finish date: March 1, 2020

Discussion: Reading List

Discussion leader: Gina Whitlock

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Reading List

* The Schedule for July through Dec. 2025
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last updated Jun 20, 2025 08:37AM

Circe - discussion with spoilers
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What Members Thought

May 16, 2020 Clifford rated it really liked it

Shelves: novels

I have liked Patchett's work in the past, especially BEL CANTO and STATE OF WONDER, less so with COMMONWEALTH, but I had a hard time getting into this, possibly because the first half of the book is about a brother and sister as children, and that almost never grabs me. In the second half, when they're grown, I found them more interesting, although the narrator, Danny, wasn't really a convincing male voice. I also don't think I'm a big fan of stories that stretch over decades, as this one does, ...more

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May 24, 2020 Loretta rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks

Ann Patchett, man. She can always get me. Combined with Tom Hanks as the voice of Danny? That really worked for me.

I do think I'll likely want to re-read in paper/ebook form at some point. The structure and the layers of family pain/connection; the slow reveal of memories and mysteries; just the whole way she writes. Patchett is still in my top 10, and this one resonated a lot. ...more

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Jan 15, 2021 Warren rated it it was amazing

great storyteller. I view the houses that I have lived (and live) in a different light:)

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May 23, 2020 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-book

A lovely, beautiful, well-told story about a house and the people that lived there.

Listening to Tom Hanks narrate this is a must! Perfection!

This is a satisfying story that I think will improve on re-reading. The characters are wonderful. The story complete. I loved it!

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Dec 30, 2019 Jennie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, listened-to

Patchett hits another homerun in my book. I devoured this book. I couldn't stop until I was done, and then I wanted to read it over again. My favorite thing anout this book is the way Patchett moves through time, back and forth with flashbacks and predictions and foreshadowing that rounds characters and perspectives for the reader too. ...more

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Aug 20, 2021 Joyce rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, book-club-choice, audible

One of my favorite books of the COVID era. Listening the Tom Hanks read this on audible is a real treat. It describes the role of a house in the course of a family's life. Fascinating. I don't like the cover much, though. I would have preferred a rendition of the house. ...more

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