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The Dutch House

A Novel

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The Dutch House

Written by: Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Tom Hanks
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Summary

Audiobook performed by Tom Hanks

Pulitzer Prize Finalist | New York Times Bestseller | A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick | A New York Times Book Review Notable Book | TIME Magazine's 100 Must-Read Books of the Year

Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post; O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Vogue, Refinery29, and Buzzfeed

From Ann Patchett, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth, comes a powerful, richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go. The Dutch House is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and of who we really are.

At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakeable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.

Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage. But when at last they’re forced to confront the people who left them behind, the relationship between an indulged brother and his ever-protective sister is finally tested.

Coming of Age Dysfunctional Relationships Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt
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It's been a long time since I loved a book.
Honestly I think Tom Hanks' performance on this one really makes it. The story is really not about the house but all the people in it. Love, forgiveness, understanding, and identity are underlying themes in a story told by the brilliant Hanx.
I could visualize the whole story. It wasn't long winded. Every detail mattered. Bravo!
Ive finished today and I don't think I'll stop thinking about this for a while...

Do yourself a favour

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Loved this nook, especialy having it read by Tom Hanks. tead by Tom Hanks. The History of a house.thr imhabitants, their ups and dowms.

the Dutcj House

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Such a beautiful and calming story. It paints a wonderful, un-extrordinary story about the house and it's inhabitants. absolute joy to listen to.

Beautiful writing read by a fantastic voice

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To listen to this story unfold in Tom Hanks’ voice. Loved the characters and the pace of the book. Highly recommend.

What a luxury...

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The most compelling part of this story was the beautiful relationship between Danny and Maeve. I think the love between siblings is often overlooked and definitely not written about enough! Also, I could listen to Tom Hanks forever.

Wholesome and Relaxed Story

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