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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.

Step into the captivating world of "The Dutch House: A Novel" by Ann Patchett, a poignant and evocative tale that delves into the complexities of family, loss, and the enduring power of love. Set in the grandeur of a sprawling Dutch Colonial mansion in Pennsylvania, this sweeping story spans generations, exploring the lives of those who inhabit this magnificent home.

The novel opens with the introduction of a young boy named Danny Conroy, who witnesses the implosion of his seemingly perfect family. His father, Cyril, a successful businessman, abruptly leaves his wife, Elna, and their children, Danny and Maeve, to marry a wealthy widow named Andrea. The family is forced to abandon their beloved Dutch House and move into a modest apartment.

As Danny and Maeve navigate the aftermath of their family's upheaval, they find solace and support in their bond with each other. They reminisce about their childhood in the Dutch House, filled with memories of laughter, adventure, and the warmth of a loving home. Yet, Danny also struggles with resentment and anger towards his father, who seems to have cast them aside without a second thought.

Years later, Danny and Maeve return to the Dutch House, now owned by Andrea's children. They find the house in disrepair, a reflection of the fractured relationships that have emerged within the family. As they explore the rooms and hallways that hold so many memories, they are forced to confront the past and come to terms with the choices that have shaped their lives.

"The Dutch House" is more than just a story about a house; it is a poignant meditation on family, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. Ann Patchett's evocative prose brings the characters to life, capturing their emotions and struggles with remarkable depth. Through their journey, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the enduring power of memories.