Shandi Sturgill

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett tells the story of the Keating and Cousins families. After Beverly Keating and Bert Cousins have an affair, the families are thrown together. The six Keating and Cousins children spend their summers together and form and unlikely bond. Years later Franny Keating gets involved with author Leon Posen, and tells him the story of her life with her step-siblings. Afterwords Posen turns Franny’s story into a novel. 

This book is a very quick read, and Patchett is skilled at bringing the world to life. Each scene of Commonwealth comes vividly off the page; readers will be captivated and eager to follow the story. I found that the use of the nonlinear plot added a lot to the story. In particular, it is an asset to the pacing of the novel. The characters are interesting and entertaining, because these are some seriously flawed individuals.

As much as I enjoyed this book, there was a lot I felt that did not work or could have been made stronger. The most obvious of which is the children’s reaction to their parents’ divorces. It is mentioned that Caroline harbors deep hatred and resentment for her mother for cheating. Years later, we see that the relationship has been repaired, but not how. I would have loved to have seen a moment between Beverly and Caroline where they come to terms with their past, and I would love to have more time with the character of Caroline to see how she eventually heals.

The thematic element that had a lot of potential was the concept of who has the right to tell your story. When Albie goes to see Franny and Leon there could have been a great confrontation. This would have been a perfect moment to discuss whether someone has the right to use another’s life story as the basis of their art.

Overall, I would gladly recommend this book. The characters and plot are entertaining and fast paced. Additionally the themes of the novel raise some good topics for discussion. I just wish Patchett would have delved a little deeper.