Reviews

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

addisonbuntin's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lilyabryant's review against another edition

1.0

I gave up trying to read this at almost 70%. I just couldn’t get interested or keep up with the huge cast of characters. I tried audio and ebook and neither were for me. I’ve been wanting to try Ann Patchett and will maybe give her another go but this was not a win.

mbpartlow's review against another edition

4.0

Mostly, I love Ann Patchett's work. I liked this book, but I did not love it.

The pacing felt very awkward to me. When the story is being told in the present, when she's relating what's happening right now, the story draws you in. While you read the first scene, your hands grow sticky from the fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Then there are huge swaths of condensed story, where several years are summarized. Then another beautiful block of what's happening now. I felt frustrated reading it.

I also felt like the story didn't have an ending. It just stopped.

carriebp's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use

Moderate: Child death

jwilding's review against another edition

4.0

Real people.

marisam104's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

justjacq's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Oh wow, I really loved this. I got it for $1 at a library sale and it's been sitting on my shelf for so long - and it was so good. Sad, but good. My eyes watered quite a bit, haha. It's a poignant and moving look at a blended family over the span of more than a few decades - starting in the 60s. The narrative bounces between different time periods and characters, but somehow it's this beautiful, cohesive look at the complexities, losses, and changes of life. The character building is phenomenal. I felt like I got to know most of the characters in a way that left me thinking about them and what they were going through. Also, there's tone that really struck me, a kind of "that's life," nonchalant, whatever happens, happens, kind of vibe - but it wasn't painted in a negative light. The characters went through tough things, but found support in each other and kept moving. I don't think I've really felt this vibe with another book. I wouldn't say it's a light and happy summer read, but I would highly recommend it anyways!

jennyluwho's review against another edition

3.0

I most liked the description of life when kids roamed free and parents did too. A well woven tale, even if it wasn't the most fascinating of stories.

sarahmsnyder's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

pbandjane_library's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5