Review of Whistler by Ann Patchett

This may be my favorite Ann Patchett novel. It's a story of chosen family, a chance reunion, illuminating and poignant revelations about the past, and unexpected, reimagined relationships and treasured paths forward.

In Ann Patchett's newest novel, Daphne and her husband are visiting the Met Museum when they notice an older gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, Daphne's long-lost stepfather, the second of her mother's three husbands and a beloved figure from Daphne's childhood--whom she never saw nor heard from after a car accident that occurred when she was a young girl and Eddie and Daphne's mother divorced.

Their deep connection is immediately evident once again, and, at times with Daphne's sister Leda and Daphne's husband Jonathan, but most often alone, Eddie and Daphne revisit old memories, compare notes, and treasure their time together as a gift.

The structure of the story is wonderful, tracking back in time to Daphne's childhood and the pivotal events that led up to her cherished stepfather's departure, with revised memories and varied accounts revealing truths that change the tenor of the life-changing occurrences that follow.

We also learn about Eddie, who was essential in encouraging Daphne to dream about her future, and we hear more of his life story, his work as a book editor, his unorthodox choices, and his love and heartbreak.

This is lovely, poignant, and unexpected--and it's possibly my favorite Ann Patchett novel ever, certainly since The Magician's Assistant.

I received an audiobook version of this novel courtesy of Libro.fm and Harper.

More Ann Patchett Books

Ann Patchett is also the author of Tom Lake, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, State of Wonder, Run, Bel Canto, The Dutch House, The Magician's Assistant, These Precious Days, and other books.