Ann Patchett's new book is – of course – very good again

Three years after the success of Tom Lake, American author Ann Patchett has released her tenth novel, Whistler. The story centers on 53-year-old English teacher Daphne Fuller, who encounters her former stepfather, Eddie Triplett, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although they had not been in contact for forty-five years following a traumatic car accident when Daphne was nine, their bond remains surprisingly intact. As Daphne finally shares the details of the crash with her sister, the narrative explores the circumstances that led to Eddie's sudden departure from their family home.

Patchett expertly portrays Eddie as a kind and erudite figure, while weaving in a secondary plot involving Daphne’s husband, Jonathan, who is managing his late mother's estate. Despite certain narrative implausibilities, the book showcases the author's trademark talent for natural dialogue and character development. The title stems from a story Eddie tells Daphne while they are trapped in a car during the 1980 accident, reflecting the poignant, non-sentimental style that defines Patchett’s latest work.