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A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth and State of Wonder, comes Ann Patchett’s 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.

Journey into a World of Family, Love, and Loss with "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett

In the captivating novel "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett, readers are immersed in a poignant tale of family, love, and the enduring power of loss. Set against the backdrop of the 20th century, the story centers around the Conroy family and their grand estate, known as the Dutch House.

Cyril Conroy, a self-made millionaire, builds the Dutch House as a testament to his success and leaves it to his two children, Danny and Maeve. However, when Cyril's second wife, Andrea, enters the picture, the family dynamics shift dramatically, leading to Danny and Maeve's eventual eviction from the beloved home.

As Danny and Maeve navigate the complexities of loss, abandonment, and the search for belonging, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. They witness the rise and fall of fortunes, the evolution of relationships, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

Patchett's masterful storytelling brings to life a cast of unforgettable characters, each grappling with their own desires, regrets, and secrets. Through their experiences, readers are reminded of the profound influence family, love, and loss have on shaping our lives.

"The Dutch House" is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of hope amidst adversity. It is a story that stays with readers long after they finish the final page.