January 2025 Wrap Up

It’s January 73rd. Let’s wrap up this month already. I mean seriously. And honestly, I spent a whole lot of time reading but I only finished one book. And it wasn’t even the book that I spent most of my time reading. I sort of feel like I’ve entered the Twilight Zone, hahaha. Here’s my confusing and time warped January 2025 wrap up.

The Dutch House

Synopsis:

At the end of the Second World War, Cyril Conroy combines luck and a single canny investment to begin an enormous real estate empire, propelling his family from poverty to enormous wealth. His first order of business is to buy the Dutch House, a lavish estate in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Meant as a surprise for his wife, the house sets in motion the undoing of everyone he loves.

The story is told by Cyril’s son Danny, as he and his older sister, the brilliantly acerbic and self-assured Maeve, are exiled from the house where they grew up by their stepmother. The two wealthy siblings are thrown back into the poverty their parents had escaped from and find that all they have to count on is one another. It is this unshakeable bond between them that both saves their lives and thwarts their futures.

Set over the course of five decades, The Dutch House is a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past. Despite every outward sign of success, Danny and Maeve are only truly comfortable when they’re together. Throughout their lives they return to the well-worn story of what they’ve lost with humor and rage.

The Dutch House was a study in characterization. There was plot and some conflict but ultimately this story existed through its characters alone. I know that’s not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it, especially when reading it alongside Wind and Truth. Plus, Anne Patchett’s beautiful writing made it a pleasure to read.

So that’s my short and sweet January 2025 wrap up. What did you read this month?