Commonwealth
6 years ago by
As my slew of summer reading has settled down—and honestly I haven’t really loved much of what I read this summer—I had to share Commonwealth with you. It’s actually kind of a perfect book for fall.
Written by Ann Patchett, who has written many other things that I haven’t read, the book tells the story of a family, really two families, and their secrets told over the lifetime of the children and parents involved. What could have easily been an 800 page plus book was written so thoughtfully and carefully that I breezed right through it while feeling totally invested in the Keatings and the Cousins. The writing is so graceful, the storytelling is complex enough to have real depth but not too much as to confuse the reader. I loved this book.
Wondering what your favorite reads of the summer were, since I’m looking for a few books for fall!
I LOVED Commonwealth. Couldn’t believe it was over when I got to the end. I was sad and even a bit stunned. Great recommendation!
Je viens de terminer The Stockholm Octavo, a lire si on aime le tarot et les eventails !
I have read a lot of gret books during my summer ! by Lauren Groff, Fates and Furies – a deep examination of a marriage. + (in french) books by Virgine Despentes (Vernon subutex, king kong theory, apocalypse baby….) : LOVE this author and her contemporary style and energy.
and by Jonathan safran foer Here I am
Hi Marie!
I’ve read both Fates and Furies, as well as Here I Am and they are two of my favorite books! Great great choices! I hope you’ll enjoy Commonwealth too!
x Emily
I agree with Emily much of what I read wasn’t that riveting, but I am listening to Eleanor Elephant is completely fine, and its very good. Heartbreaking at times, but uplifting as well. I will pick up Commonwealth thanks for the recommendation. I hope your wedding was lovely.
Hi Marianne!
I hope you’ll enjoy it! It really was a pleasure to read. I just started All of the Light We Cannot See and it’s quite good so far.
We still have a year to go for my wedding! Not until September 2018, so lots more updates to come on the site before then! x Emily
Looking forward to adding this to my reading list. I think my favourite this year would be Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi- such a powerful story told in a really great way; or In a dark dark wood by Ruth Ware – which was an indulgent thriller! x
I’m in the middle of Commonwealth right now and really enjoying it. The first book I read by Patchett is Bel Canto, which is a really gorgeous and haunting read as well. And I read her book Truth and Beauty literally in one day–it’s one of the most beautiful testaments to those friends that feel like sisters.
Other favorites that still stay with me months and years later are The Goldfinch and A Little Life. (And a little more indulgent but no less addicting was Sweetbitter…)
I’m just began reading The Girls by Emma Cline. I have been meaning to read Commonwealth, though, so that’s next on my list!
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I adored this heartbreaking book. I too breezed thru it but, could not stop thinking about it for days afterward. Definitely on my top 10 list this year.
Hats off to Commonwealth-so well done! That said, this summer, I quite enjoyed reading What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons and Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. Also, I have to admit, I so loved reading Goldfinch by Donna Tart last summer, I’m in the throws of reading it again as summer 2018 comes to an end.
I just started reading this!
Briana | youngsophisticate.com
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite writers but I haven’t read this one yet. I will seek it out! I loved Bel Canto so much. But also The Patron Saint of Liars, and State of Wonder. She creates the most amazing characters that stay in your heart long after you’ve finished the books.