The Dutch House

This book is the story of two siblings, Maeve and Danny, whose father marries another woman after their own mother abandons them. 

After their father passes away, their step mother turns them out of the house and thus ignites a life long yearning that the siblings develop for the home that used to be theirs - The Dutch House as it is called. Time and again, they feel the need to park outside the house, to replay, understand and deconstruct the past and the events leading up to their exile. 

However one big difference sets the siblings apart. While Danny tries to leave the past behind, move on along his own path and look for the positives in most situations, Maeve gets caught in a cobweb of the past, entangling herself in the hatred for her stepmother to the point where her own life takes a back seat. 

I love this book for the lessons it gives in the wisdom of letting go and the heartbreak that can accompany holding on to the past too tightly. I love it for the way it follows the lives of the siblings in a way that make us deeply vested in Maeve and Danny. I love it for how gently yet powerfully it is written. 

If you're looking for an easy read to curl up with this month, do give this book a try and let us know how you like it. We love to hear from you! x