Commonwealth
By Ann Patchett
Harper, Hardcover, 9780062491794,September 2016, 336pp.
The Short of It:
This is a story about two families and how the actions of one night affect them for decades.
The Rest of It:
One Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keating’s christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Franny’s mother, Beverly thus setting in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of two families. (Indiebound)
Reading has been really difficult for me these past couple of months so I was really excited when I finally sat down to Commonwealth. As tragic as a story like this could be, it’s not. There’s some sadness but clearly, this is a family that loves each other and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters. Plus, much of it is set in Southern California, which I loved. The story spans decades but never once did I lose interest.
I’m not sure if I will ever get around to posting my “best of” list this year but Commonwealth is definitely on it.
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
Great review Ti……I have this one to read and now after reading your review……I’m going to move it up on the list!
Yes!! Move it up and then come back and tell me what you thought of it.
I will do that!
Everyone’s loving this book so I need to pick it up. I’ve hesitated, though, because I didn’t love State of Wonder.
I love Ann Patchett’s books – they are always amazing. I loved this one so much – such a great read. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Definitely a best of for 2016. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year to you as well!! Thanks for being such a great friend. I love to chat about books with you but your support over these past few weeks has been much appreciated.
Everyone does say great things about this book.
It was really good but in a quiet sort of way.
Definitely one of my favorites this year, too. Happy New Year!
I love it when you give a book your stamp of approval! It means I have a new book to read that I am sure I am going to love!! Thanks and Happy New Year!
This is one I definitely want to get to but know I won’t. Have a great new year, Ti. 2017 is going to be OUR year!
I just started the first few pages of this book last night. It’s an upcoming book club pick. I’m glad to know it’s going to be a good one. Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy New Year.
I loved this one, too. Happy New Year
Happy New Year! I just finished reading Commonwealth today! Loved it. Ann Patchett is one of my favorite writers. It was refreshing to read about a dysfunctional family that functioned. Hope you understand what I mean by that. I read it as an ebook but wish I had had the paper version. Here’s to great reads in 2017!
Maybe this could be my Patchett retry! I read one other book by her and hated it.