The Dutch House-Book Review

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Title: The Dutch House

Author: Ann Prachett

Genre: Historical

Year: 2019

“Mothers were the measure of safety, which meant that I was safer than Maeve. After our mother left, Maeve took up the job on my behalf but no one did the same for her.”

This is my first book of Ann Prachett. The novel was in run for Pultizer prize in fiction category 2020. I'm usually skeptical picking up the award winning type books. I assumed it to be of horror genre seeing the cover and title. And I was in for a surprise, what a pleasant surprise it was.

WeReflect: Maeve and Danny Conroy, extremely close siblings live in a mansion with their father in Philadelphia. The palatial Dutch House was brought by Cyril Conroy as a gift to his wife, Elna. After the end of Second World War 2, Cyril ventures into real estate and creates a great deal wealth for the family. The events set into motion when their mother leaves them to help the downtrodden.

Andrea with her two daughters soon enters their life. And in no time becomes their step-mother. With untimely death of their father Andrea gets hold of the entire Conroy business as per will and Danny was kicked out of Dutch House. Maeve was already financially independent working for a Philadelphia produce company. The siblings slowly get used to the less privileged life heavily depending on each other. Fortunately a trust fund was set aside for Danny's education. He finishes medical school from Columbia University just to keep Maeve happy. However, his heart is set on real estate just like his father. His career path takes in that direction bringing him enough success. He marries Celeste and has two children with her. When Maeve has heart attack their absentee mother shows up to care for. Are children ready to forgive their mother for abandonment? What happens to Andrea and her kids? Who owns 'The Dutch House' in the end?

The story is narrated by Danny that oscillates between different timeline. He often ponders overs his early childhood memories relating to the house. Starting in early 1940s, the tale spins for another five decades. 

Being an elder sister to a brother I could easily relate with Maeve, the fiercely protective and never stops being a mother to him. Danny on the other hand adores and idolizes his sister. The siblings found home in each other while being deserted by the elders. And their obsession with the house is comical at times when they park their car across the house, gazing at it, recalling fond and painful memories related to that. The strong bond between them is truly endearing and that is focal point. I fail to relate to the character Elna Conroy who abandons her young children to serve the helpless and needy. Sandy, Jocelyn and Fiona are three charming characters who watch over the children like fairies. The writing was absorbing and crisp. As a matter of fact there is nothing new in the story. That simplicity itself makes it a good piece of work.

The Dutch House is a story about family, loss, grief, forgiveness and hope. I will definitely check out Ann Patchett's other literally work in the coming days.