Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

Amy    

fiction

Commonwealth tells the story of two families, or one blended family, over the course of several decades.  However, it is not told in chronological order or from one point of view. Rather, it is told in pieces that each focus on different characters, from various points in time.

At first, I was not enjoying it very much because I was reading it immediately following Ann Patchett’s novel Bel Canto which I had enjoyed immensely.  In comparison, I felt that the Commonwealth characters were not good, likable people. I don’t know if all of her other novels are similar to these two in that Patchett puts a group of characters together and sees how they interact. But, I felt that the setting, overarching story arc, and interactions were much more enjoyable in Bel Canto.  As I continued to read Commonwealth, I did not change my mind about these assessments but I did come to appreciate Commonwealth on its own merits.  I really liked the way Patchett crafted this novel in disjointed segments.  The biggest shock fell with the beginning of Chapter 2 but it was fun finding out how all the various lives played out over time and how the intersections took place in each story segment.

I had not intended to read two Patchett novels in a row, but I was in need of an audio book and this second one was immediately available. I am now going to take a break from Patchett but I will certainly read more of her books in the future.  The audio book was narrated by Hope Davis and I thought she did a great job.  She gave the characters individual voices, for the most part, and I thought her voice acting was appropriate. I give her an A.