Get the most thought-provoking The Dutch House book club questions (without spoilers!) here. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto and Commonwealth, is one of the best books of the 21st century, as well as one of the best Ann Patchett books, best family sagas, best books set in Philadelphia, best character-driven novels, best books to read in the Fall and best audiobooks of all time.
You’ll foster meaningful discussion and get free printable book club questions to use as a book club resource at your in-person meeting. Let’s get literary!
Quick The Dutch House Summary With Themes
The literary fiction novel The Dutch House has earned the following accolades:
- Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize
- New York Times bestseller
- Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club pick
- Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, and many more
- 2020 Audie finalist for Audiobook of the Year and Best Male Narrator
My Rating: ★★★★★ (For details, read my review of The Dutch House.)
In the 20th century, near the end of World War II, the lives of the Conroy family are forever changed when they move into The Dutch House outside of Philadelphia. This move sets into action a course of events in which the family is undone, and young siblings Danny and Maeve are ultimately left to fend for themselves.
As Danny narrates, Maeve essentially becomes a mother figure to him, while they navigate decades of life and often return to The Dutch House, tied inexplicably to their past no matter where life takes them.
The Dutch House is a good book club pick for discussion of such themes as loss, inheritance, trauma, class, and forgiveness.
Watch Ann Patchett discuss the book with PBS on Youtube:
READING TIPS
- The audiobook version of The Dutch House is exquisitely narrated by actor Tom Hanks.
- You can order signed copies at author Ann Patchett’s bookstore, Parnassus Books.
- Despite the rumors, The Dutch House has not been made into a movie.
Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House: Book Club Questions Without Spoilers
Discuss how Maeve’s and Danny’s parents influenced their lives.
What qualities made Maeve a good mother figure to Danny?
Discuss the unique book cover art.
How did you picture The Dutch House in your head?
Is The Dutch House a positive or negative force in Maeve’s and Danny’s lives?
If you listened by audio, what did you think of Tom Hanks’ narration?
Was this Danny’s story or Maeve’s story? Discuss the point of view.
Danny tells the reader, “The story of my sister was the only one I was ever meant to tell.” Why do you think he believes this? Is he correct?
Should Maeve and Danny have forgiven their mother, Elna Conroy?
Why did Maeve and Danny remain so close?
How do Maeve and Danny process grief?
Why do you think Maeve and Danny often return to The Dutch House?
What is the meaning of home, both in the novel and in your opinion?
What did you think of the ending? How did it make you feel?
Printable PDF Reading Guide of These Discussion Questions
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Book Club Food Ideas
Being a resident of Philadelphia, I’ve got you! Below are popular Philadelphia-based food items and products as a nod to the setting of The Dutch House:
- Philly cheesesteak
- Roast pork sandwich
- Hoagies
- Soft pretzels (you can even make them as a book club activity!)
- Tastykakes
- Tomato pie (basically cheese-less pizza)
- WaWa food (a popular convenience store, known primarily for its coffee)
- Peanut Chews
- Herr’s snack foods
Book Club Books to Read Next
If you loved these The Dutch House book club questions, read these family dramas with your book club next:
- Tom Lake Book Club Questions
- Hello Beautiful Book Club Questions
- Little Fires Everywhere Book Club Questions
- The Vanishing Half Book Club Questions
- The Immortalists Summary
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
