⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ I just finished The Dutch House and am wiping tears from my eyes. What a lovely story told in a style all Ann Patchett's! Having it read to me by Tom Hanks (through the magic of Audible), added a special touch as Tom's distinctive vocal intonations brought Danny to life through every stage from young boy to adulthood/parenthood. The relationship between Danny and Maeve, much like wartime compatriots, was born from shared pain and experiences. Tied together through love, and devoted to each other come what may, you would have a hard heart not to love them both given the childhood they endured. Their car time reflections were icing on the cake for me and moments to cherish. Though both were bruised from their younger years, they still had shared times of levity that gave them hope.
If I am honest, I was put off by the cover but now, in the afterglow, the cover couldn't have been anything else and I am so pleased it was Maeve's portrait. The Dutch House seemed as if it would provide a palatial, cossetted existence but really it was a fragile facade masking unhappiness for each generation that dwelled within. A real pity but so well depicted. Especially poignant were the relationships providing tenderness and caring - with Sandy and Jocelyn. Even Fluffy. These people cared for Danny and Maeve and gave every small comfort they could to ease their sense of abandonment. The light touch of Ann Patchett is her trademark. Simply excellent.
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