It is the story of two families connected by divorce – blended families, step siblings – covering almost 60 years. It goes back and forth in time, although I think this is handled pretty well. I’m not sure about that. If I was having to read this in 20-minute installments just before sleep each night, I don’t know if I could keep everything straight. But, I read it in just a couple of days while I was home sick.
Even though I couldn’t relate to the blended family situation, I thought the characters were distinct, well-drawn, and interesting. We get to know the children by observing them, from what their siblings say about them, and from what their siblings say about them once they’re grown. Life takes them in many different directions. The relationships pull apart and come back together.
The only other book by Ann Patchet that I’ve read is State of Wonder, which we read for book club. Although that was fantastical, I remember it as being readable and compelling. In Commonwealth, she takes on ordinary life. I again found her writing enjoyable to read and the book (and this kitty) was good company while I was under the weather.
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