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Book Review of The Dutch House

The Dutch House
The Dutch House
Author: Ann Patchett
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews


Cyril Conroy built a real estate company that enabled him to buy the beautiful Dutch House, an estate in Pennsylvania, a surprise but disappointing gift for his wife, Elna. He can't understand her reaction and it was the beginning of the end for the family. She abandons the house, her two children and her husband. Years later he marries Andrea Smith.

The son, Danny, narrates the story. He and his older sister, Maeve, are thrown out of the house upon their father's death at age 53. Danny is just fifteen but having failed to make a will their father put all possessions in both his and Andrea's names. His children now face poverty they have not known but they have each other forming a bond that lasts a lifetime.

The formation of an educational trust offers hope. Maeve is excluded as she finished college. Danny can use it, she insists, and directs he become a doctor, attending elite schools. He doesn't want to be a doctor. He wants to be like his father and build a real estate company.

Andrea has everything and the two are bitter but with the help of some friends, their lives gradually improve. They discuss everything, even Dannyâs marriage. He realizes his dream and Maeve uses her remarkable talent to help a neighborhood man develop and expand his business.

The story is sad at times but funny at others. Bound by love and blood they are hindered by a past they cannot leave. There is so much passion, emotion and sorrow that at times one wants to tell them to let it go. There is much more as this talented author follows Danny and Maeve throughout their lives.