Loved your review!! I just finished the novel, and was truly left with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. (no spoilers ahead I promise) Everyone has a past, and it's hard not to reflect on it, whether those memories conjure up feelings of joy or sorrow. We can choose to dwell in misery because of the wrongdoings of our parents, or siblings, or spouses, or we can try to come to terms with it, (maybe never fully) but we can try, and I think that idea is so wonderfully explored in Ann's writing.
I have finally gotten around to reading it and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads of the year! This was really an open window into this house, into this family (or at least the memories of it) and it felt so heart wrenching to leave these characters behind. You’re never sure wether to dislike them or sympathise with them and by the end - - for me at least -I’m left just appreciating how human they were and how beautifully written their stories are. Definitely gonna read more from this author
I absolutely loved this book.. I finished it at the end of last year, and I was thinking about it a lot after I finished it. Even now, a few months later, I still remember the characters and can’t wait to engaged with it again.
RIncey, I've been a long time viewer. I LOVE YOUR reviews so much. I purchased this a couple of weeks ago, and I can't wait to read it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
I’m only on page 210, so mild spoilers. But Patchett has such a powerful way of showing the impact of people in a persons life. Dr. Able surprised me the most, I thought he would be a throwaway character, but his scene at the wedding and the closure of it was incredible. Same goes for Fluffy, when she came back and is now taking care of May. I just love all the characters EXCEPT Andrea although I have no doubt that Patchett will give her some depth by the end too.
I am really enjoying this book and Tom Hanks narration makes Danny and Maeve and their world feel so accessible. The writing is amazing. I am planning on buying the paperback as soon as I can.
I agree with you about the book having a timeless feeling. I did not realize the setting was in the 60s until I was 1/3 in the book. It felt more like a 40s kind of setting at first
I have been listening and watching your reviews for a long time and there are times when I agree and times when I don't. Still doesn't stop me from watching you always. It never matters if I agree with you I think your thoughts on books are always very well thought out. I am reading the Dutch House right now and about 50% into the book. Sometimes I find myself really enjoying it and other times getting really frustrated with it. One of the things that surprised me in your review is that you got the sense that Danny and Meave have an upperclass attitude. I know that's a fact but I didn't get that feeling from them. I find myself not liking the characters for other reasons which I cannot say without spoiling the story for anyone wanting to read it. I am, like I said half way through the book and save for the times when I'm frustrated with it, I am really enjoying reading it and cannot put it down.
I received an ARC of this book and read it as soon as UPS delivered it to the house. Literally 17 seconds after I had it in my hands. Needless to say, I love Ann Patchett and I thought The Dutch House was absolutely wonderful. Mesmerizing! My faves in order: Bel Canto, The Dutch House, Commonwealth.
Listened to the audiobook and was totally grabbed from beginning to end. To hear Tom Hanks read it was like I was sitting across from him and he was reading just to me. Loved it!
Great reflection! And cool to see the rare 5-star review from you. I agree this book is like the epitome of literary fiction and I have to say I really liked it. For me it was maybe like 4 out of 5 stars, but regardless I'm still kind of baffled by how such an "average" story in terms of what happened still managed to captivate me so much. (The audiobook narration by Tom Hanks was helpful too).
I gave it a 4 star review. I think you covered a lot of the major themes in a really succinct way. I think I would have liked a chapter from Andrea's point of view. My biggest criticism was that the stakes felt low for the main characters and their inability to move forward, while believable, felt petty given their station in life.
I'd already been planning to read this one, after reading the synopsis and seeing a couple other Booktubers praise it, as well as a coworker who absolutely loved it. Of course, you giving it 5 stars just confirms I definitely need to get to it soon. I kinda want that cover as a poster.
Can't wait to check this book out! Tom Hanks narrates the audiobook. Did you end up reading Pet by Akwaeke Emezi? I loved it. It is one of my favorites this year.
7:38 I love how you describe this phenomenon. (I wonder if that will change with attachment to social media in the future, by parents of children who document it)
I love that you mentioned Gilmore Girls, because I actually read this whole book having Emily in mind for the character of Andrea. Couldn't help it, for some reason.
I just finished it and you are so on point that it’s really a character study. I was limited in how much I cared about the main characters because of their detached way of being but that made it enjoyable, looking at people so different than me, making decisions I never would have made.
Wow, I just finished book. It was truly haunting and thought provoking. The answers are behind the actions, but I still wonder if different circumstances or choices would have changed the final outcomes.
This was more I a 3.5 star book for me, maybe just a solid 3. I didn’t feel like a made an impact in my life, and 5 start books usually feel impactful. The story was enjoyable and I like the way the story is told, but really that was it. New to your channel, will come back for more :)
I hated Gilmore Girls so thank you for that analogy! I suspected the Dutch House would be kind of WASPY given some of other Ann Patchet's works, but I'll still give it a try. Thanks for the candid review!
As soon as I saw the thumbnail to your video, I instantly said, "Yes! Now I can find out exactly what this book is about and that will convince me whether I should read it or not." The result is "not." 😊 I was really drawn to the cover, which was the catalyst put the "desire" in my head to read it. You review was quite good. because of your information and critique of the book I realize it's really not for me. It's just a pretty book. Thank you so much for the decision to share your reading experience. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope you really enjoyed your vacation. Sorry to hear the weather gave you that melancholy feel. I so want to go to England. I'm jealous. 😊
You do such a good job of summarizing this book. The video would be so much better without all the personal information. We don't know you. If you just stick to telling this story well, we will want to know you. It seems like you're very busy trying to validate yourself. You're very talented
Loved your review!! I just finished the novel, and was truly left with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. (no spoilers ahead I promise) Everyone has a past, and it's hard not to reflect on it, whether those memories conjure up feelings of joy or sorrow. We can choose to dwell in misery because of the wrongdoings of our parents, or siblings, or spouses, or we can try to come to terms with it, (maybe never fully) but we can try, and I think that idea is so wonderfully explored in Ann's writing.
I usually don't like audio books, but I loved Tom Hanks' narration!
"Melancholy" is the perfect word to describe this book.
I have finally gotten around to reading it and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads of the year! This was really an open window into this house, into this family (or at least the memories of it) and it felt so heart wrenching to leave these characters behind. You’re never sure wether to dislike them or sympathise with them and by the end - - for me at least -I’m left just appreciating how human they were and how beautifully written their stories are. Definitely gonna read more from this author
Your review about a book explains how wonderfully you can understand any book you read. They are very informative and have quality content 👌
I appreciated your thoughts on the time jumps. I too sometimes had to figure out where we were in time. Great review. Thank you
I absolutely loved this book.. I finished it at the end of last year, and I was thinking about it a lot after I finished it. Even now, a few months later, I still remember the characters and can’t wait to engaged with it again.
RIncey, I've been a long time viewer. I LOVE YOUR reviews so much. I purchased this a couple of weeks ago, and I can't wait to read it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
I’m only on page 210, so mild spoilers. But Patchett has such a powerful way of showing the impact of people in a persons life. Dr. Able surprised me the most, I thought he would be a throwaway character, but his scene at the wedding and the closure of it was incredible. Same goes for Fluffy, when she came back and is now taking care of May. I just love all the characters EXCEPT Andrea although I have no doubt that Patchett will give her some depth by the end too.
UPDATE- Just finished it. And UGH. That ending was gutting. I loved the sibling dynamic so much
I am really enjoying this book and Tom Hanks narration makes Danny and Maeve and their world feel so accessible. The writing is amazing. I am planning on buying the paperback as soon as I can.
I agree with you about the book having a timeless feeling. I did not realize the setting was in the 60s until I was 1/3 in the book. It felt more like a 40s kind of setting at first
Me too! I was surprised everytime it mentioned it was 1960-70s. I kept picturing 40-50s
I have been listening and watching your reviews for a long time and there are times when I agree and times when I don't. Still doesn't stop me from watching you always. It never matters if I agree with you I think your thoughts on books are always very well thought out. I am reading the Dutch House right now and about 50% into the book. Sometimes I find myself really enjoying it and other times getting really frustrated with it. One of the things that surprised me in your review is that you got the sense that Danny and Meave have an upperclass attitude. I know that's a fact but I didn't get that feeling from them. I find myself not liking the characters for other reasons which I cannot say without spoiling the story for anyone wanting to read it. I am, like I said half way through the book and save for the times when I'm frustrated with it, I am really enjoying reading it and cannot put it down.
I received an ARC of this book and read it as soon as UPS delivered it to the house. Literally 17 seconds after I had it in my hands. Needless to say, I love Ann Patchett and I thought The Dutch House was absolutely wonderful. Mesmerizing! My faves in order: Bel Canto, The Dutch House, Commonwealth.
Listened to the audiobook and was totally grabbed from beginning to end. To hear Tom Hanks read it was like I was sitting across from him and he was reading just to me. Loved it!
Just finished this book and I share the same feelings with you! Loved the book.
Great reflection! And cool to see the rare 5-star review from you. I agree this book is like the epitome of literary fiction and I have to say I really liked it. For me it was maybe like 4 out of 5 stars, but regardless I'm still kind of baffled by how such an "average" story in terms of what happened still managed to captivate me so much. (The audiobook narration by Tom Hanks was helpful too).
I gave it a 4 star review. I think you covered a lot of the major themes in a really succinct way. I think I would have liked a chapter from Andrea's point of view. My biggest criticism was that the stakes felt low for the main characters and their inability to move forward, while believable, felt petty given their station in life.
I'd already been planning to read this one, after reading the synopsis and seeing a couple other Booktubers praise it, as well as a coworker who absolutely loved it. Of course, you giving it 5 stars just confirms I definitely need to get to it soon. I kinda want that cover as a poster.
YES! The European paperback is such a wonderful thing :)
Can't wait to check this book out! Tom Hanks narrates the audiobook.
Did you end up reading Pet by Akwaeke Emezi? I loved it. It is one of my favorites this year.
Just finished The Dutch House yesterday. At first I was like it was alright but the more I think 🤔 about I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for the review. Big fan of Commonwealth and I'll have to add this to my To Read list.
7:38 I love how you describe this phenomenon. (I wonder if that will change with attachment to social media in the future, by parents of children who document it)
I finally read this book! I loved it so much! It’s definitely a five out of 5 stars for me also💫
I love that you mentioned Gilmore Girls, because I actually read this whole book having Emily in mind for the character of Andrea. Couldn't help it, for some reason.
I just finished it and you are so on point that it’s really a character study. I was limited in how much I cared about the main characters because of their detached way of being but that made it enjoyable, looking at people so different than me, making decisions I never would have made.
The audiobook is narrated by Tom Hanks and I think I enjoyed this book even more because of that! Beautiful story about love and loss and life.
Wow, I just finished book. It was truly haunting and thought provoking. The answers are behind the actions, but I still wonder if different circumstances or choices would have changed the final outcomes.
This was more I a 3.5 star book for me, maybe just a solid 3. I didn’t feel like a made an impact in my life, and 5 start books usually feel impactful. The story was enjoyable and I like the way the story is told, but really that was it. New to your channel, will come back for more :)
I love it so much! It went directly in my top 5 for 2021. A lot of people around me do not like it.
Here in Australia we love a paperback! I noticed in the states they are few and far between!
Paperbacks are everywhere, but it takes a full year usually for the paperback to be released after the hardback release.
I hated Gilmore Girls so thank you for that analogy! I suspected the Dutch House would be kind of WASPY given some of other Ann Patchet's works, but I'll still give it a try. Thanks for the candid review!
I need to read this, I'm in a Dutch house every day!
How did I just learn about your channel?!
Reading this now!!! Always love your reviews.
Tom Hanks voice helps
As soon as I saw the thumbnail to your video, I instantly said, "Yes! Now I can find out exactly what this book is about and that will convince me whether I should read it or not." The result is "not." 😊 I was really drawn to the cover, which was the catalyst put the "desire" in my head to read it. You review was quite good. because of your information and critique of the book I realize it's really not for me. It's just a pretty book. Thank you so much for the decision to share your reading experience. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope you really enjoyed your vacation. Sorry to hear the weather gave you that melancholy feel. I so want to go to England. I'm jealous. 😊
What book did she mention,,,, clock town schizophrenia???
ruclips.net/video/bsTVgeDhWvA/видео.html the collected schizophrenia!
Loved Truth and Beauty. No love for State of Wonder. I'll' read Bel Canto but I won't buy it.
5
the number of times you said 'like' !!!!
www.thecut.com/2014/06/i-mean-its-just-thoughtful-you-know.html
Sounds like an intriguing read.
You do such a good job of summarizing this book. The video would be so much better without all the personal information. We don't know you. If you just stick to telling this story well, we will want to know you. It seems like you're very busy trying to validate yourself. You're very talented
You're going too fast. Please slow down and speak clearly
Change your playback speed.