The Dutch house: a novel

Though Anne Tyler's writing is down to earth and Ann Patchett's contains hints of magical realism, both authors show deep insight into human nature in their thoughtful, somewhat bittersweet, character-driven novels. Both develop themes defining friendship and family in contemporary America; and how different yet interlinked people respond to significant life events. -- Matthew Ransom

Literary fiction writers Ann Patchett and Sara Gruen, both favorites of book groups, write thought-provoking works of social commentary. Their novels feature richly layered characters, complex moral dilemmas, beautifully crafted prose, and evocative, often exotic settings. -- Jessica Zellers

Helen Garner and Ann Patchett write psychologically astute fiction and nonfiction about mortality, relationships, and the many forms that family can take. Whether chronicling the slow death of a friend or following the metamorphosis of a family, their complex characters and thought-provoking plots challenge and move their readers. -- Mike Nilsson

Celeste Ng and Ann Patchett write compelling literary fiction about the complex nature of human relationships. With compassionate insight and astute observation they peel back the layers of history and emotions between and among characters and examine how life choices have long-term reverberating effects. -- Halle Carlson

Both authors create moving, character-driven novels, often with a hint of magical realism. In prose that skillfully shifts from direct to poetic, psychological and social issues play out between families, friends, and the contemporary American world around them. Their insights can be bittersweet but they promote hope in a thoughtful manner. -- Matthew Ransom

These authors' works have the appeal factors reflective and lyrical, and they have the genres "psychological fiction" and "literary fiction"; and the subjects "friendship," "extramarital affairs," and "change (psychology)."

These authors' works have the appeal factors stylistically complex and unnamed narrator, and they have the subjects "extramarital affairs," "change (psychology)," and "marital conflict"; and characters that are "mischievous characters."

These authors' works have the appeal factors reflective and stream of consciousness, and they have the genres "psychological fiction" and "humorous stories"; and the subjects "extramarital affairs," "change (psychology)," and "authors."

These authors' works have the genre "psychological fiction"; and the subjects "extramarital affairs," "siblings," and "change (psychology)."

These authors' works have the appeal factors reflective and haunting, and they have the subjects "family relationships," "extramarital affairs," and "dysfunctional families."

These authors' works have the genres "psychological fiction" and "literary fiction"; and the subjects "families," "family relationships," and "extramarital affairs."

These authors' works have the appeal factors feel-good and sweet, and they have the genres "psychological fiction" and "literary fiction"; the subjects "siblings," "change (psychology)," and "sisters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."