The Dutch House

Shirley J.          Adult Fiction          Childhood Homes and Memories    Families    Forgiveness

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett      337 pages

I loved this story.   It is the bittersweet story of siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy and their memories of growing up in the Dutch House a mansion-esque home in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia, PA.   Their father, Cyril Conroy, made his fortune in real estate and as a surprise for their mother bought the Dutch House, a home that had been owned by a Dutch family and still held many of their things though all the Dutch family had by then passed away.    It was a great old house, a bit of a fixer upper on the third floor (raccoons had moved in) but a joy to behold for young Maeve who basically had her own suite as she awaited the birth of her younger brother Danny.    Their mother was of a mind to become a nun until Cyril talked her out asked her to marry him.    But, she never go away from her calling to help others and be a servant to mankind.    So much happens over the years, I will say one man's happiness does not mean every one is happy and a huge toll is taken on the family and changes come overnight.   Nothing is ever sure and tomorrow is not promised.   The story unwinds and people come and go, families are formed and reformed.   An excellent tale.   I couldn't put it down.   Sometimes the bond between siblings is so tangile it is almost supernatural and if you are not part of that bond, you will never understand it..   Great story.   I recommend this to mature elementary school students on up to senior citizens.