The Dutch House, A Novel. By Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett's grasp on the written word is, at times, astounding. Such as this phrase: "She was as quiet as a page turn." This is both a great simile, and a way to describe a moment in time that signals that a change has occurred - that life from this point forward is going to be or feel different. Wow.

Okay, so L and I really liked this book. Five out of 5 stars for it's readability, and the topics that it treats, including the idea of family, and what they mean to each other. What we do to or for each other (some good, some bad), and how we rely on each other. In this book Maeve is 10 and Danny is 3 when their mom leaves. That sets the tone for the close relationship that develops between them from that point on. 

Another idea that the author examines is about expectations that influence the paths we choose for our lives. Cultural expectations have always influenced us in some manner, and so do our families! Do we have open-minded families? Do our families insist on compliance with regard to what job we pursue, whom we love, etc.? 

For the mother of Maeve and Danny, she's made out to be a monster, but later in the book, we hear some details that cause us to reflect on the idea of forgiveness. Without giving spoilers, Maeve and Danny re-think things about the mother that left them behind. 

When we learn more about our parents, does this help us to have more compassion? Does it help us to find forgiveness for things they thought they could have done better? And does it help us to have more gratitude for who/what we *do* have in our lives, and let go of what we think our lives "should" be like? Those are questions each of us need to answer throughout our lives.

As a somewhat extraordinary coincidence, I have my own blog (elsewhere) and wrote a post a few days ago with the themes of compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. Then, after I finished the book, I googled some professional reviews about The Dutch House, and found that Patchett's M.O. in her fiction is to dwell upon these 3 themes. The reviewer wrote those exact words that only two days prior I had written about in my blog post. Did I perceive the themes in the book? Maybe, not sure. I can only say that I am continuously meditating on having more compassion in daily life, and was finding a couple a moments that felt hard, and....it led to a blog post. I only blog about 3-4 times per year, and so, maybe it's just me, but the coincidence felt significant. 

Oh, and since L and I both enjoy listening to books on audio, we both REALLY enjoyed that Tom Hanks narrated the audiobook. I've loved him since tv - Bosom Buddies - lol (yes, I'm showing my age). 

We'll leave you with those themes - compassion (for self & others), forgiveness (ditto), and gratitude.