The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

 I have struggled with a couple Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists in the past, and so when our book group chose this title, I figured it was time to look into just how a book is considered for this esteemed honor.  Turns out it's pretty easy.

When Joseph Pulitzer passed away in 1904, he left money to be awarded to authors whose works represented the essence of American life.  That was about it for the guidelines he offered; consequently debates raged for years over what, exactly he expected.  The word "wholesome" popped up from time to time in the description, but that, too, was tweaked, amended, abolished, and reinserted often. In the end, the books had to represent American life.  

Anyone can submit a title - the author, a publisher, a friend of the author, a reader.  Send in $50.00 and three copies of the book and it will be reviewed by a committee of three.  This committee, generally comprised of academics and journalists, selects three finalist to send to the Pulitzer Board, eighteen people who make the final decision.  The book has to be published in the calendar year the prize is being given. Surprisingly, the committee deemed no book worthy in 2012.

So, that's that.  

The Dutch House fills the bill, I guess.  The characters all seem sad and unmotivated to me.  Each remained trapped in his/her own personal history and as a result, no one is happy.  What a grim picture of American life Patchett has painted with this cast.

Still, this story of memories resonates strongly.  Along with that theme, Patchett challenges us to think about why we make the choices we do.  Revenge choices can be satisfying in the moment, but in the long run, the scheming and dedication to the plan eclipses so much of what could be.  She asks us to think about the difference between sacrifice and neglect.  Letting go and moving on...how do we do that? Keeping secrets...is that ever a good idea? Self before others?  Oh, there is so much packed into the troubling lives of these characters.  Sad but so provocative.  Worthy reading for sure, leading to some uncomfortable yet rewarding meta moments.

So, for $50 you can either buy yourself a nice selection of summer reading material, or you can submit that novel you wrote and stashed away in drawer ala Emily Emily Dickenson.  Both pretty good choices.

Thanks for dropping by.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.