Seven of us met at one member’s house together with two people on Zoom to discuss Commonwealth by Ann Patchett.
The book follows events over several decades in the lives of two couples and their children. The two families are disrupted by divorce. We read about the aftermath. The children spend part of the holidays with each parent, having to adjust to living in new surroundings with step parents and step siblings.
Several people commented on the laissez-faire child care which now would be considered neglect. There is tragedy when Cal dies from an allergic reaction to a bee sting while the children are unsupervised.
The book isn’t a continuous narrative, it is a series of interludes which move backwards and forwards in time. This, together with the large number of characters, means the book requires some concentration to get the best out of it.
One member shed light on the background to the book, having read an article describing the author’s childhood. It seems that the book is partly autobiographical, and the character of Franny is based on Patchett herself. This may explain why Franny is the dominant, and most sympathetic, character.
The reaction to the book was mixed with some people finding it hard to relate to the characters because of their dysfunctional family life and child neglect. Several found the format of the book “bitty” and would have liked a more sequential narrative.
Our reviewer gave a thorough and enthusiastic introduction which went some way towards softening attitudes to the book with several people saying it was well written and most saying that they would read other books written by Patchett. As our reviewer is a fan of the author and has read them all, she was able to provide some recommendations. Thanks to her for a well presented introduction including details about the author who seems to be a very lively and interesting person.