The Dutch House: Book review


Nice to have a book review as my first post in 2020. Was compelled to pick this title from the book store after hearing some good reviews about it.

Title: The Dutch House
Author: Ann Patchett
Genre: Fiction


The Dutch House is a sort of modern retelling of the fairytale Hansel & Gretel. Its a story that begins at this lavish mansion called the Dutch House.

Partly by luck and partly by fortune, Cyril manages to purchase this posh estate as a surprise for his family. Under mysterious circumstances, Cyril's wife leaves the house, including her 2 children Maeve and Danny.  After Cyril's death, Maeve and Danny are thrown back into poverty by their step mother Andrea. Together Maeve and Danny pick up threads, learn the art of survival and build back their lives.

The story is narrated from Danny's perspective and set over 5 decades. It explores the strong bond between the siblings as they try and reconcile with the ghosts of the past and the trying circumstances.  The book also examines the complexity of human emotions. Themes of healing, forgiveness and spirituality are touched upon here.

The Dutch House is a compelling family saga. Its interesting how the house is sort of character by itself and communicates to the readers through the human voice. Tends to remind one of the Manderley mansion in Daphne Du maurier's 'Rebecca'.

A book that emphasizes the fact that life comes a full circle.

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