Commonwealth

In January we read Anne Patchett's Commonwealth.  There were mixed reviews and lots of discussion.  Anne Patchett is not new to Book Club.  We read Bel Canto, which we all loved.  And A State of Wonder which had mixed reviews as well.  As best I can remember, for I have been remiss in my responsibilities as keeper of the Blog, Chrysanne held the torch for Commonwealth, defending the novel's various merits.  One or another of us liked parts, but did not like the novel in its entirety.

I love Anne Patchett, and like many authors I have followed over the years, I can forgive my old friends when an novel might not perfect.  It is hard to be perfect!  Particularly when one is dealing with childhood memories and autobiographical material, as we are led to believe Anne referred to in this story of two families blending into three.  We talked about how well this novel dealt with the bonds one makes under adverse, and perhaps not chosen situations.  We talked about how well this novel describes how one decision effects others and can set things into motion with far reaching repercussions.

In February, we are reading Someone by Alice McDermott.  The date was changed to February 20th at Alan's House.