Play Book Tag discussion

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett - 3 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: This would be a good pick for the upcoming tag - family drama.

Family drama set in California and Virginia from the 1960s to the 2010s. The plot follows two families, connected by a chance encounter at a christening, which changes the direction of their lives. The narrative focuses on the blended family members, and how their relationships change over time.

This book is mostly character-driven, though there is a slim plot that involves the death of one sibling and publication of the family’s secrets. It is slow in developing and shifts forward and backward in time, gradually providing a more complete picture for the reader.

I enjoy Ann Patchett’s writing, and Commonwealth adheres to the high quality writing I have come to expect. This one was not my favorite, but I liked it. I can also recommend: State of Wonder, Bel Canto, and The Dutch House.

3.5

I have read all with the exception of The Dutch House, which is on my TBR shelf. I, too, love her writing. Bel Canto is a lifetime favorite for me.

John wrote: "I have read all with the exception of The Dutch House, which is on my TBR shelf. I, too, love her writing. Bel Canto is a lifetime favorite for me."

Bel Canto made my top ten list the year I read it-I will have to try others of hers

Thanks for your review. This was a 5 star read for me, as have been most other Patchett books. Re Commonwealth, I love the comment attributed to Patchett's mother, when asked whether the book is autobiographical: None of it happened and all of it is true. I suspect that describes a lot of good fiction.

Susan, what a great quote: "None of it happened and all of it is true." So glad you loved it. I really enjoy her writing style and plan to read more of her books. I own 2 others which I will get to at some point.

I love Ann Patchett and reading Bel Canto was definitely the beginning of my love affair with Ann her books. I read The Dutch House and Commonwealth. Are there any others?

Oh yes! There are quite a few others. See the author link for a complete listing: Ann Patchett

I can recommend:
State of Wonder - 4 stars - My Review

I currently own a copy of these two, but have not read them yet:
Taft
The Patron Saint of Liars