The Dutch House

ome is where the heart is and it is this sentiment which is the crux of Ann Patchett’s latest novel, The Dutch House.

As the title suggests, the story revolves around a magnificent mansion called the Dutch House and its equally magnificent inhabitants, Danny and Maeve Conroy.

When their father welcomes his new wife into their lives and home, the siblings face repercussions that reverberate throughout their lives. As they grow up and reflect on their childhood, they find themselves constantly drawn to the Dutch House and a past they are yet to make peace with.

The Dutch House is one of those rare books whose plotline could seem simplistic, almost verging on dull, if you were to describe it in its entirety to someone yet to read it.

Therefore, it is perhaps best described simply as a mustread as it’s the type of book that can’t be justified by a brief synopsis. To understand the hype surrounding it (some reviewers have drawn parallels with Henry James), you really need to read it to appreciate just how special it is.