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54 pages 1 hour read

The Dutch House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Ann Patchett

The Dutch House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania • 1940s-1950s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett tells the story of siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy, expelled from their opulent home by their stepmother Andrea after the death of their father, Cyril. As they navigate their lives in the 1960s through the 1990s, they grapple with family dynamics, loss, and the longing to reclaim their past, symbolized by their childhood home, the Dutch House.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

553,410 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ann Patchett's novel The Dutch House is widely praised for its compelling narrative and rich character development. Critics commend Patchett's delicate prose and evocative depiction of familial relationships. Some reviews criticize its slow pacing and predictability, but overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and vivid storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dutch House ?

Readers who relish deeply emotional, character-driven narratives will appreciate The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Fans of titles like A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt will find similar themes of family, loss, and redemption captivatingly woven in this tale.

4.2

553,410 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Danny Conroy

The first-person narrator who begins as a boy accepting his parents' divorce and evolves into a self-aware man understanding the sacrifices made for him.

Danny's older sister who acts as a mother figure following their mother's departure and navigates life while managing severe diabetes.

Cyril's second wife, portrayed as a younger, attractive woman whose central action of evicting Danny from the family home defines much of the novel's conflict.

Danny and Maeve's mother, characterized by her departure to pursue charity work and her later return to confront her past at the Dutch House.

A self-made financial success and father to Danny and Maeve, whose key decisions shape the family's fortunes.

Danny's wife who begins with traditional family aspirations but later questions her role as wife and mother.

The children's caretaker at the Dutch House and a link between Danny's past and present, providing insight and support to his family.

A long-serving staff member at the Dutch House, offering information about the family history and supporting Elna later in life.

Another long-serving staff member at the Dutch House known for her warmth and loyalty to the Conroy children.

Danny's daughter, depicted as a strong-willed child with a budding talent in performing arts.

A chemistry professor who inadvertently aids Danny's venture into real estate.

One of Andrea's daughters, who goes into pediatric oncology and reconnects with Danny later in life.

Maeve's employer, providing professional and personal support throughout her adult life.

Danny and Celeste's youngest child, initially sickly but later fulfilling his mother's educational aspirations by becoming a doctor.

Andrea's youngest daughter, whose relationship with her mother is fractured, leading her to pursue a career as a yoga instructor.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania • 1940s-1950s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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