Commonwealth

I know that Ann Patchett is beloved and awarded. I just don't get it. I don't hate her work; it just doesn't touch me the way it does others, clearly.

When we were at her bookstore (which I lurve!) in April, I debated between buying Bel Canto (winner) and Commonwealth. Later, a sweet friend lent Commonwealth to me. I wanted to bail @ 24%; but was out without a back-up read. Bailed @ 30. Infidelity, divorce, child neglect, and dysfunctional blended families aren't entertainment to me.

When I first wrote these comments, I forgot that I read State of Wonder in 2015. I gave it 3 stars; which is my standard rating for books that I neither disliked nor really liked (not bad). I gave Bel Canto 2+ stars this spring. I won't rate Commonwealth, as I'm not finishing it.

Oh, my, this is going to make for an interesting discussion. Commonwealth, the latest novel by Ann Patchett, is mesmerizing. I found myself enthralled with the characters--interested, angry, sad, and scared.

In the beginning, there are two separate families, the Cousins and the Keatings. After infidelity and divorce occur, they become a blended family. Patchett's story follows the six children of these families for decades, and it is fascinating.

It's important not to reveal too much in a review, since the essential magic of this story is the reader's discovery of certain facts a little at a time.

Read this! It's a gem.