In what ways might this be true? To what extent does romantic love justify their decision?ĥ. Bert believes that his divorce, all the difficulties for the children, and his marriage to Beverly were inevitable. In what ways are the siblings good for and to each other?Ĥ. What does it mean to become a family again in the wake of divorce? How does each child grow to respond to the family difficulties?ģ.

How is each child-Cal, Caroline, Holly, Jeanette, Franny, and Albie-affected by the divorce and neglect that results?Ģ. “Commonwealth bursts with keen insights into faithfulness, memory and mortality… ambitious American epic…” - Atlanta Journal-Constitutionġ. “Commonwealth is an all-American family saga, but her touching and even-handed approach to themes such as family politics, love, the role of literature and the acidic nature of lies is buoyed by a generous sprinkling of matter-of-fact humor” - BookPage “Commonwealth is a smart, thoughtful novel about the ties that bind us.” - Pop Sugar “The prose is lean and inviting…A satisfying meat-and-potatoes domestic novel from one of our finest writers.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “…a funny, sad, and ultimately heart-wrenching family portrait…Patchett elegantly manages a varied cast of characters… at her peak in humor, humanity, and understanding people in challenging situations.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Indeed, this is Patchett’s most autobiographical novel, a sharply funny, chilling, entrancing, and profoundly affecting look into one family’s “commonwealth,” its shared affinities, conflicts, loss, and love.” - Booklist “(A) rich and engrossing new novel …” - New York Times Book Review Commonwealth is impossible to put down.” - New York Times Praise For This Book:“Patchett brings humanity, humor, and a disarming affection to lovable, struggling characters.

Commonwealth summary ann patchett