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New York Times Bestseller | A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick | A New York Times Book Review Notable Book | TIME Magazine's 100 Must-Read Books of 2019

Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, the Washington Post; O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Vogue, Refinery29, and Buzzfeed

Ann Patchett, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth, delivers her most powerful novel to date: a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. 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.

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 unshakeable 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: A Novel by Ann Patchett is a captivating family saga that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.

Set in the post-World War II era, the story centers around the Conroy family and their grand estate, The Dutch House, which becomes a symbol of their wealth and status. The novel follows the lives of siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up in the shadow of their enigmatic parents, Cyril and Andrea.

Through the eyes of Danny, the elder sibling, we witness the family's ascent to prosperity and their subsequent downfall. Patchett vividly portrays the lavish lifestyle of the Conroys, their extravagant parties, and their close-knit relationships. However, as time passes, cracks begin to appear in the family's foundation, fueled by Cyril's infidelity and Andrea's emotional fragility.

The Dutch House itself becomes a character in the story, bearing witness to the family's joys and sorrows. It is a constant presence in the lives of Danny and Maeve, a symbol of their childhood and the memories they hold dear. As the years go by, the house changes hands several times, reflecting the shifting fortunes of the Conroy family.

Patchett's writing is lyrical and evocative, bringing the characters and their emotions vividly to life. She explores the complexities of family dynamics, the sacrifices parents make for their children, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on one's life. The Dutch House is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Key Themes:

• The enduring power of family bonds, even in the face of adversity.
• The impact of childhood experiences on one's life and relationships.
• The complexities of love, loss, and forgiveness.
• The role of wealth and material possessions in shaping family dynamics.
• The significance of place and the memories associated with it.

The Dutch House is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, family dramas, and stories that explore the complexities of the human condition. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.