The Dutch House - Ann Patchett

This book was selected for the Women's Prize longlist, which was the reason for me purchasing it initially, and although it did not progress to the shortlist, this is still a fantastic book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Patchett is the author of seven novels and three works of non-fiction, and this is the first of her works that I have read. The novel, set just after the Second World War, spans five decades and follows the lives of a family and their attachment to their childhood home, The Dutch House. Cyril Conroy, the father of our protagonist Danny, happens upon immense wealth due to the success of his real-estate business, and purchases the grand home which is intended as a present for his wife.

This sets in motion the unravelling of the family - Elna Conroy despises the house, and when it becomes too much for her she decides to leave her husband and children behind. Danny's older sister by eight years, Maeve, is overcome with grief and diagnosed with diabetes soon after her mother's disappearance, which is partly attributed to the sorrow she had been faced with at such a young age. When their father remarries a spiteful and jealous woman, and moves into the house with her two children, the lives of Danny and Maeve are further thrown into turmoil. Their father's death when Danny is just fifteen is the final straw - his widow takes claim of the house and Danny and Maeve, as well as their beloved household staff, are removed and asked never to return.

This is at times the most frustrating book to read - the injustice of the siblings' treatment is so physically angering that you just want to throw it against a wall. The two once-wealthy children are thrown quickly back into poverty and must navigate their lives with no parents and their childhood memories ripped from underneath them. Throughout the course of the novel, despite relationships and friendships it becomes clear that the only people they can truly count on are each other, and their bond grows ever stronger. They return to the house periodically over the years, only stopping outside in the car to glance briefly at their beloved childhood home, and find that they remain drawn to the magnificent building which they should rightly have inherited. 

This novel was extremely character-driven, which I loved - the protagonist was sympathetic and narrated the tale well (though he had his own flaws which were illuminated well), and Maeve was a brilliant and strong persona. Patchett's character development throughout was stellar, and added to the thrilling plot this made for a wonderful read. I would have liked to learn more about Andrea's (wicked stepmother) background - however I can see why the author wanted to focus on the present of the novel and the characters of Danny and Maeve, and she didn't stray from that too much except for in anecdotes or dialogue referring to their parents' past. Ultimately, this novel is beautiful and raw portrait of the bond between siblings and how a family can be torn apart by wealth - it is such an enjoyable and moving read and I highly recommend it.