Commonwealth by Ann Patchett – 336 pages
Book Blurb:
One Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keating’s christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Franny’s mother, Beverly—thus setting in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of two families.
Spanning five decades, Commonwealth explores how this chance encounter reverberates through the lives of the four parents and six children involved. Spending summers together in Virginia, the Keating and Cousins children forge a lasting bond that is based on a shared disillusionment with their parents and the strange and genuine affection that grows up between them.
My Review: 4.5 stars
My Review: 4.5 starsCommonwealth is a story about two interconnected families that author Ann Patchett turns into a literary gem. How one uninvited guest can show up to a colleague’s party and ultimately change the course of everyone’s fate is a grand start to the book. The reader knows something is brimming and that things will be forever changed, but what it is, we can only begin to imagine.
There is no jump out at you moments in this book. It’s a book about love, family, divorce, loyalties, stepparents and mostly the stepchildren, as they become a commonwealth between themselves. I became invested in them all. How these six kids found a balance, a union and a pecking order was notable and relatable.
As this book spans 50 years in fewer than 350 pages, the author jumps around with different characters at various ages in their life so that we can keep tabs on them on what are their most defining times. Some of their actions were formidable while others admirable, yet the reader is lucky enough to see the growth of this band of adults and their children.
Franny is probably the character we learn the most about. She completely engaged me during her time with Leo. Then to find out about her disloyalty (in my opinion) in having Commonwealth be published completely pissed me off. However, the scene with her, her sister and their dad in the movie theater (trying to say this without spoilers) was punishment enough.
Anyone with a large family: married, single, partnered, stepped, dating, cousins, etc. will relate to this story. Before reading this book, the cover was so disenchanting. After finishing the book, I’m in love with the many meanings of the word commonwealth and the symbolic nature of the oranges is important as well.
Quotes I liked:
-“‘Did you ever want to be a writer?’”
“’No, I only wanted to be a reader.’”
-“I know school is miserable. I even know that practicing law can be miserable. But sooner or later you have to do something. If you think you’re going to find one thing that will be perfect for you, you’re going to spend your eightieth birthday reading the want ads.”
-“He was at once someone she knew as a brother and someone she had never met.”
Shop on Amazon Here!
Oh, Lauren – is that you with the divine Ann? I went to her reading last week and she kind of said she won’t cuddle with fans any more for photos because it takes too long to get everyone their photos and still get all out into the night before the wee hours! She was so funny and bright – the first time I’ve ever heard her speak – and now I’m more in awe of her than ever! Just trying to figure out if I liked “Commonwealth” or “State of Wonder” better – but really, who cares? Best regards from Eileen at Book Stew!
I saw her at the premier of the Chicago Lyric House Orchestra production of Bel Canto,The Opera. Literally snagged her as she was walking back to her seat. Ann didn’t know what hit her! If I were voting, I’d pick Commonwealth over State of Wonder!!!
Thanks for checking in!!
This is on the top of my list. She’s an amazing writer.
Completely agree! Enjoy the book!