The Dutch House, a large 18C house of 'Dutch' style, with rounded gables and interesting detailing stands in a prominent position in a wealth area of Phillidelphia. The house weaves its self through this tale of riches, family lost and found, marriage loved and lost, sibling love, and absence. Danny and his elder sister Maeve, are the main protagonists of this story of this dysfunctional family with the grandiose house, an evil step mother and the desperate longing for love. Fairy tale in its telling, the house holds sway over the family, where the well drawn but not very likeable characters deal with rejection, loss and subtle revenge. An intricate book of carefully drawn and insightful the protagonists develop over 50 years living their lives of love, thwarted ambition, loss and love. The audio book version read by Tom Hanks is glorious. This book didn't generate much discussion, we probably need to digest its intricacies in more detail.
Words used describe it: no heart, selfish, beguiling, the house was a character
Marks out of 10: between 7 - 9 so highly marked.
Next Book
Loved and Missed by Suzie Boyt
Next Meeting
9th November at 126 Harbord St
