41 pages • 1 hour read
Ann PatchettCommonwealth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett interweaves the lives of the Keating and Cousins families over fifty years, centering on Franny Keating's perspective. The novel follows the impact of divorce and death, the complexities of blended families, and the power of storytelling. Sensitive topics include infidelity, death of a child, and cancer.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett has garnered praise for its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, particularly in depicting the complexities of blended families. Critics note Patchett's skillful prose and emotional depth. Some readers, however, found the non-linear timeline confusing. Overall, it’s considered a thought-provoking read with rich storytelling.
Who Should Read Commonwealth?
A reader who enjoys Commonwealth by Ann Patchett will likely appreciate multi-generational family sagas, intricate character development, and subtle prose. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will find similar thematic depth and narrative engagement.