The Dutch House

by Ann Patchett
The Dutch House cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4011
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781526625649
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2020-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Dutch House is a captivating novel that explores the complex dynamics of family and the enduring power of memory. The story revolves around the Conroy family and their grand estate, the Dutch House, which becomes a symbol of their identity and downfall. Through the eyes of the siblings, Danny and Maeve, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the inescapable pull of the past. /n/nThe book is praised for its richly drawn characters and lyrical prose, offering a profound meditation on the nature of home and belonging. It is a story that lingers, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships and the places that shape their lives.

Reviews
The Monthly Booking · The Monthly Booking · 2020-11-05
absorbing 4.30

The reviewer finds the book intensely absorbing with vivid characters and the right amount of emotional pull.

The Monthly Booking blog describes 'The Dutch House' as a deeply engaging read with well-developed characters and a strong emotional impact. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to draw the reader in and maintain their interest throughout the story.

Quick quotes

    Intensely absorbing, with wonderfully vivid characters and just the right amount of emotional pull, this was, for a few days, exactly the story I needed.

    The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past.

    The book is a beautifully written, fairy tale-esque account of strangely fortunate and unfortunate children.

Literary Elephant · Literary Elephant · 2020-04-06
captivating 4.20

The reviewer describes the book as a beautifully written, fairy tale-esque account of two siblings' fortunes and misfortunes.

The Literary Elephant blog praises 'The Dutch House' for its beautiful writing and fairy tale-like quality, focusing on the lives of two siblings through the 1960s and 70s. The reviewer appreciates the vivid characters and the emotional depth of the story, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    The Dutch House begins as a beautifully written, fairy tale-esque account of strangely fortunate and unfortunate children in the 1960's-70's.

    The story is both mythic and naturalistic, showcasing Patchett's great skill in crafting a compelling narrative.

    The book is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past.

The Guardian · 2019-09-25
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer praises the book as both mythic and naturalistic, highlighting Patchett's skill in telling the story of siblings expelled from their childhood home.

The Guardian's review of 'The Dutch House' highlights the book's ability to blend myth and reality, creating a compelling narrative about siblings forced to leave their family home. The reviewer emphasizes Patchett's skill in crafting a story that feels both epic and intimate, with vivid characters and a strong emotional core.

Quick quotes

    Both mythic and naturalistic, Patchett's story of children expelled from the mansion of their childhood by an evil stepmother showcases her great skill.

    The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past.

    Patchett's skill in telling the story of siblings expelled from their childhood home is showcased in this irresistible tale.

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