41 pages 1 hour read

Ann Patchett

Commonwealth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett interweaves the lives of the Keating and Cousins families over fifty years, centering on Franny Keating's perspective. The novel follows the impact of divorce and death, the complexities of blended families, and the power of storytelling. Sensitive topics include infidelity, death of a child, and cancer.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett has garnered praise for its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, particularly in depicting the complexities of blended families. Critics note Patchett's skillful prose and emotional depth. Some readers, however, found the non-linear timeline confusing. Overall, it’s considered a thought-provoking read with rich storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Commonwealth?

A reader who enjoys Commonwealth by Ann Patchett will likely appreciate multi-generational family sagas, intricate character development, and subtle prose. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will find similar thematic depth and narrative engagement.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Life/Time: The Past

Relationships: Family

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction