The Dutch House

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: Tom Hanks

Bloomsbury presents The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, read by Tom Hanks.

Next, dive into TOM LAKE – the breath-taking newest novel from Ann Patchett

Lose yourself in the story of a lifetime – the unforgettable Sunday Times bestseller
‘Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than literature’ Guardian
Nominated for the Women’s Prize 2020

A STORY OF TWO SIBLINGS, THEIR CHILDHOOD HOME, AND A PAST THAT THEY CAN’T LET GO.

Like swallows, like salmon, we were the helpless captives of our migratory patterns. We pretended that what we had lost was the house, not our mother, not our father. We pretended that what we had lost had been taken from us by the person who still lived inside.

In the economic boom following the Second World War, Cyril Conroy's real estate investments take his family from poverty to enormous wealth. With it he buys the Dutch House, a lavish mansion in the Philadelphia suburbs. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

Danny Conroy grows up in the opulence of the Dutch House. Though his father is distant and his mother is absent, Danny has his beloved sister Maeve: Maeve, with her wall of black hair, her wit, her brilliance. The siblings grow and change as life plays out under the watchful eyes of the house’s former owners, in the frames of their oil paintings.

Then one day their father brings home Andrea, a new stepmother. Though they cannot know it, her arrival to the Dutch House sows the seed of the defining loss of Danny and Maeve’s lives: exiled from the house and tossed back into the poverty from which their family rose, Danny and Maeve have only each other to count on.

‘The best book I’ve read in years’ Rosamund Lupton
‘Her finest novel yet’ Sunday Times
‘The buzz around The Dutch House is totally justified. Her best yet, which is saying something’ John Boyne
‘A masterpiece’ Cathy Rentzenbrink
‘Bliss’ Nigella Lawson

©2019 Ann Patchett (P)2019 HarperCollins USA

A masterpiece of words and audio

What a beautiful book, written masterfully by Ann Patchett and read with exquisite nuances by Tom Hanks. An unusual story full of wonderful characters, touchingly and poignantly brought to life by the reader, a truly beautiful book. It deserves 5 stars from top to bottom. I will listen to it again and again.

Best read ever

Fabulous book, skillfully read by Tom Hanks. Our ears are in great hands with such an experienced actor.

Meandering

Engaging at first, this novel meandered awkwardly towards an spluttering denouement.

I love Tom Hanks and he maintained a strong performance. The same cannot be said for the author, who seemed to have given up somewhere in the middle.

The non-chronological narrative worked in the first half of the book, but then started to grate.

A pretty good book, but no masterpiece.

Brilliantly written and read

The Ditch house was a wonderful family saga that was funny, sad and full of insights about family relationships. Beautifully read by Tom Hanks who showed a deep understanding of the characters he spoke about and for. Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful story.

Beautiful and gentle

A tender story of forgiveness and loss. Brilliantly narrated by Tom Hanks. Ann Patchett can write.

Beautifully written, expertly performed!

The central image of the majestic house provided such a creative setting for generations of a family to interact.

Nostalgic memories of childhood and growing up .

I loved this story of the beautiful Dutch House. A fairy tale home seen through the eyes of siblings Maeve and Danny. Beautifully read by Tom Hanks,. His tone and expression help to make their story so real.

Especially enjoyed the last few chapters

A wonderful journey of how life can twist and turn. I would love to be able to go through this house as it is described so beautifully. I struggled as a mum to come to terms of some of the events and the impact it would and could have on young children and how these choices follow through a life time. WONDERFUL narration.

Beautiful story and brilliant narration!!

Loved it! Tom Hanks narrating was such a pleasure to listen to and the story was utterly beautiful. Loved the relationship between Danny and Maeve so much.

Loved it!

From start to finish this book is a masterpiece - a wonderful story which is beautifully read.