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Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize

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.

Dive into the Compelling Saga of "The Dutch House" by Ann Patchett: A Tale of Family, Loss, and Resilience

Prepare to be captivated by Ann Patchett's literary masterpiece, "The Dutch House," a poignant and immersive novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, love, loss, and the enduring nature of resilience. Dive into the captivating tale of the Conroy family, whose lives intertwine with the grandeur and history of the iconic Dutch House.

The story begins in the 1920s, introducing us to Cyril Conroy, a self-made millionaire who builds an extravagant mansion known as the Dutch House for his family. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when Cyril's second wife, Andrea, and her children enter the picture, forever altering the family's dynamics.

As the children grow up in the shadow of the Dutch House, they witness the disintegration of their parents' marriage and the erosion of their once-idyllic family life. Danny and Maeve Conroy, Cyril's children from his first marriage, struggle to find their place in a family torn apart by secrets and betrayals.

When Cyril dies, the Dutch House is left to Andrea and her children, forcing Danny and Maeve to confront their past and the lingering pain of their childhood. As they navigate the tumultuous years that follow, they learn the true meaning of family, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Through Patchett's evocative prose and insightful character development, "The Dutch House" delves into the profound emotions that shape our lives. It explores the intricate relationships between parents and children, siblings, and spouses, revealing the complexities of love and loss.

As you journey through the pages of "The Dutch House," you'll be captivated by the rich historical backdrop, the vividly described settings, and the unforgettable characters who bring this story to life. Let Ann Patchett's words transport you to another time and place, where the echoes of the past reverberate through the present, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who call the Dutch House home.