I love to read. I can tell by the first page of a book if it will be worthwhile reading. I obsess over the story. I will carry the book trying to steal time throughout the day to read a few more pages. Then when I finish the book, I feel utterly lost until another one grabs my attention.
Therein lies the dilemma, how to find a new book. Usually, I will read reviews done by other readers. For those of you searching for a new fix, I want to help you today.
A few months ago, I read The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Great author, by the way. She doesn't try to overwhelm you with dazzling sentences. The book is narrated by a man though written by a woman.
The story revolves around two siblings, Danny and Maeve. They live in a beautiful mansion on a hill. Their lives take a drastic turn when first, their mother dies, and the father remarries. The stepmother is straight out of Cinderella.
The father passes away, and the two siblings are left penniless. They cling to each other as they form a plan to get back on their feet.
The story takes many twists and turns along the way. The dutch house always drawing them back to reflect on life's events. What I liked most about the book was the thread of forgiveness and redemption. It leaves you feeling better about life.
I highly recommend the audio version. Tom Hanks narrates the book; his voice does not overpower the storyline as some narrators do.
If you are looking for a star rating, it is a solid five. Let me know what you think if you read it.
Gigi Lori