Since their mother's death, Tip and Teddy Doyle have been raised by their loving, possessive, and ambitious father. As the former mayor of Boston, Bernard Doyle wants to see his sons in politics, a dream the boys have never shared. But when an argument in a blinding New England snowstorm inadvertently causes an accident that involves a stranger and her child, all Bernard cares about is his ability to keep his children—all his children—safe.
Run
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
SignatureReviewed by Andrew O'HaganNovelists can no longer take it as an insult when people say their novels are like good television, because the finest American television is better written than most novels. Ann Patchett's new one has the texture, the pace and the fairy tale elegance of a half dozen novels she might have read and loved growing up, but the magic and the finesse of Run is really much closer to that of Six Feet Under or ER or The Sopranos, and that is good news for everybody, not least her readers.Bernadette and Bernard Doyle were a Boston couple who wanted to have a big lively family. They had one boy, Sullivan, and then adopted two black kids, Teddy and Tip. Mr. Doyle is a former mayor of Boston and he continues his interest in politics, hoping his boys will shape up one day for elected office, though none of them seems especially keen. Bernadette dies when the adopted kids are just four, and much of the book offers a placid requiem to her memory in particular and to the force of motherhood in lives generally. An old statue from Bernadette's side of the family seems to convey miracles, and there will be more than one before this gracious book is done. One night, during a heavy snowfall, Teddy and Tip accompany their father to a lecture given by Jessie Jackson at the Kennedy Centre. Tip is preoccupied with studying fish, so he feels more than a little coerced by his father. After the lecture they get into an argument and Tip walks backwards in the road. A car appears out of nowhere and so does a woman called Tennessee, who pushes Tip out of the car's path and is herself struck. Thus, a woman is taken to hospital and her daughter, Kenya, is left in the company of the Doyles. Relationships begin both to emerge and unravel, disclosing secrets, hopes, fears. Run is a novel with timeless concerns at its heart—class and belonging, parenthood and love—and if it wears that heart on its sleeve, then it does so with confidence. And so it should: the book is lovely to read and is satisfyingly bold in its attempt to say something patient and true about family. Patchett knows how to wear big human concerns very lightly, and that is a continuing bonus for those who found a great deal to admire in her previous work, especially the ultra-lauded Bel Canto. Yet one should not mistake that lightness for anything cosmetic: Run is a book that sets out inventively to contend with the temper of our times, and by the end we feel we really know the Doyle family in all its intensity and with all its surprises.Andrew O'Hagan's novel Be Near Me has just been published by Harcourt.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Ann Patchett writes about families-from The Patron Saint of Liars (1992), in which young, unwed mothers become family, to Bel Canto (2001), in which hostages and their kidnappers forms unexpected bonds. Beautifully written, Run again explores family, this time through the lenses of birth, class, and race. While mainly a domestic drama, Run also touches on larger themes-such as social exclusion, privilege, and obligation; politics; and religion and the afterlife. Critics overall lauded Patchett's thematic depth, though a couple of reviewers noted her failure to delve deeply enough. And while most characters-particularly Kenya-captivated them, a few also described them as unrealistically sympathetic. Despite these minor complaints, Run is, at best, that rare, mature work that exquisitely dissects human relationships and possibilities.
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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More About the Author
Ann Patchett was born in Los Angeles in 1963 and raised in Nashville. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop. In 1990, she won a residential fellowship to the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she wrote her first novel, The Patron Saint of Liars. It was named a New York Times Notable Book for 1992. In 1993, she received a Bunting Fellowship from the Mary Ingrahm Bunting Institute at Radcliffe College. Patchett's second novel, Taft, was awarded the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize for the best work of fiction in 1994. Her third novel, The Magician's Assistant, was short-listed for England's Orange Prize and earned her a Guggenheim Fellowship.Her next novel, Bel Canto, won both the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in 2002, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. It was named the Book Sense Book of the Year. It sold more than a million copies in the United States and has been translated into thirty languages. In 2004, Patchett published Truth & Beauty, a memoir of her friendship with the writer Lucy Grealy. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Entertainment Weekly. Truth & Beauty was also a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and won the Chicago Tribune's Heartland Prize, the Harold D. Vursell Memorial Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Alex Award from the American Library Association. She was also the editor of Best American Short Stories 2006.Patchett has written for numerous publications, including the New York Times magazine, Harper's, The Atlantic,The Washington Post, Gourmet, and Vogue. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Karl VanDevender.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
178 of 196 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Run is the latest novel from the pen of Ann Patchett, the acclaimed author of Bel Canto. It is the story of an unusual Boston family. Bernard Doyle is a former Mayor of that city. He is a widower, his wife Bernadette having died of cancer some years before. He has three sons: Sullivan, the eldest and two adopted sons, Tip and Teddy. Tip and Teddy are biological brothers and they are black. It is their story that is most rivetting and provides much of this novel's essence and consequence. For the two young men, 21 and 20 respectively, are profoundly different. Tip is drawn towards science, Teddy towards religion. But there is much more at stake here. Patchett creates a beautifully detailed snapshot of America at the beginning of a new century. And through interactions whose randomness and emotional complexity these characters do not fully comprehend, some powerful and despairing truths regarding race, class, politics and faith are uncovered. Patchett's glistening prose reminds me of a jeweler studying a diamond with steely precision and a cool, clear radiance that reveals every facet and flaw.
Her elegant prose is strongly reminiscent of another writer: James Joyce in his seminal story The Dead, perhaps the finest short story ever written. Even the technique seems similar. Here is spare, limpid prose laying bare the deepest recesses of the human heart. Here are the dead and the absent forever impacting the lives of the living and damaged. It struck me that Patchett has thoroughly absorbed Joyce's technique. This is high praise indeed, but impossible to prove. Or so I thought until Teddy quotes several sentences from the famous ending of The Dead. With some vindication, I think I can safely claim that Ann Patchett has used Joyce as her model. It is an indication of the artistry of this fine writer that she has done so successfully. This is a brilliant novel, filled with truth and deep feeling. Her artistry is quiet, never calling attention to itself. But artistry it is. You won't forget this book. My strongest possible recommendation for Run.
Mike Birman
Her elegant prose is strongly reminiscent of another writer: James Joyce in his seminal story The Dead, perhaps the finest short story ever written. Even the technique seems similar. Here is spare, limpid prose laying bare the deepest recesses of the human heart. Here are the dead and the absent forever impacting the lives of the living and damaged. It struck me that Patchett has thoroughly absorbed Joyce's technique. This is high praise indeed, but impossible to prove. Or so I thought until Teddy quotes several sentences from the famous ending of The Dead. With some vindication, I think I can safely claim that Ann Patchett has used Joyce as her model. It is an indication of the artistry of this fine writer that she has done so successfully. This is a brilliant novel, filled with truth and deep feeling. Her artistry is quiet, never calling attention to itself. But artistry it is. You won't forget this book. My strongest possible recommendation for Run.
Mike Birman
54 of 59 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"Run," a novel about a multi-racial adoptive family whose whole family structure is called into question as a result of an accident on a snowy night, was a quick, enjoyable read, though it definitely is not Patchett's best work. "Run" displays once again, the beauty and skill with with Ann Patchett writes. You can sense that each sentence and phrase is crafted carefully, each word carefully chosen.
Though the writing was beautiful, the plot was slow-moving, a bit cliched, and not always believable. Patchett has great ideas for this book, but perhaps a few too many. She spends time developing a plethora of ideas, but developing each only slightly. Had she focused on only a few select ideas and developed them more, the novel would have felt more finished and believable. The very concept of "run" even felt forced at times, as if she just constantly threw out references to running to tie the loose ends together. And the ending seems to wraps things up just a bit too neatly.
Don't let this discourage you from reading Ann Patchett, however. She is a fantastic author. If you were disappointed with "Run," read "Bel Canto" or "The Magician's Assistant" and experience Patchett at her best.
Though the writing was beautiful, the plot was slow-moving, a bit cliched, and not always believable. Patchett has great ideas for this book, but perhaps a few too many. She spends time developing a plethora of ideas, but developing each only slightly. Had she focused on only a few select ideas and developed them more, the novel would have felt more finished and believable. The very concept of "run" even felt forced at times, as if she just constantly threw out references to running to tie the loose ends together. And the ending seems to wraps things up just a bit too neatly.
Don't let this discourage you from reading Ann Patchett, however. She is a fantastic author. If you were disappointed with "Run," read "Bel Canto" or "The Magician's Assistant" and experience Patchett at her best.
48 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
"His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling; like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead." James Joyce 'The Dead'
Ann Patchett has written her sixth book in the framework of a family and how the end justify the means. Each character is a study in love and the affection they have for each other. The gifts that are given by these people to each other is overflowing with meaning.
Doyle, an ex-mayor of Boston had given up his office, voluntarily, but in the realm of disgrace. His profession in politics was his love, and he had hoped that one of his sons would follow in his footsteps. On this cold winter's night he brings his two younger sons, Tip and Teddy to hear Jesse Jackson. Doyle's hope was that Jesse would put the 'fire' of politics in one of his sons. Tip and Teddy had been adopted as infants. Doyle and his wife, Bernadette had one son, Sullivan, and wanted more, and when the chance to adopt a black baby came they grabbed it. They then found his brother, 14 months old was also available, and their family became complete, or almost. Within a short period of time, Bernadette, the love of Doyle's life, became ill with cancer and subsequently died. Doyle was left to bring up the boys on his own.
On this night, Tip who goes to Harvard and is studying Ichthyology finally becomes tired of Doyle pushing his political preference in his face, and he starts an arguement with Doyle. It becomes more heated than either wanted, and Tip turns to go and walks in front of an on-coming car.
He is saved by a black woman who pushes him out of the way. She is injured and rushed to the hospital. Not knowing the extent of her injuries as of yet, Doyle volunteers to care for the woman's young daughter. A full family at best. Now the issues of the past come to haunt the entire family, and some answers must be found. Tip and Teddy must come to terms with their past. And, Doyle must answer to his children.
The life we lead is sometimes not what we think it is. The past may come to haunt us and decisions made for us and before us may not be what we want. Ann Patchett has the ability of taking a simple plot and making it into something it is not. The family and its center is the important aspect of her writing. This book was simplistic in plot, and the message was easy to grasp. It is a good novel, not one of her best, but enjoyable. After 'Bel Canto' the expectations were very high. There is something missing here and the plot though well devised is not as satisfying. But Ann Patchett's writing makes up for any deficit in plot- she is glorious in her use of the written word. Much to be admired.
Recommended. prisrob 08-20-07
Bel Canto (P.S.)
Truth & Beauty: A Friendship
Ann Patchett has written her sixth book in the framework of a family and how the end justify the means. Each character is a study in love and the affection they have for each other. The gifts that are given by these people to each other is overflowing with meaning.
Doyle, an ex-mayor of Boston had given up his office, voluntarily, but in the realm of disgrace. His profession in politics was his love, and he had hoped that one of his sons would follow in his footsteps. On this cold winter's night he brings his two younger sons, Tip and Teddy to hear Jesse Jackson. Doyle's hope was that Jesse would put the 'fire' of politics in one of his sons. Tip and Teddy had been adopted as infants. Doyle and his wife, Bernadette had one son, Sullivan, and wanted more, and when the chance to adopt a black baby came they grabbed it. They then found his brother, 14 months old was also available, and their family became complete, or almost. Within a short period of time, Bernadette, the love of Doyle's life, became ill with cancer and subsequently died. Doyle was left to bring up the boys on his own.
On this night, Tip who goes to Harvard and is studying Ichthyology finally becomes tired of Doyle pushing his political preference in his face, and he starts an arguement with Doyle. It becomes more heated than either wanted, and Tip turns to go and walks in front of an on-coming car.
He is saved by a black woman who pushes him out of the way. She is injured and rushed to the hospital. Not knowing the extent of her injuries as of yet, Doyle volunteers to care for the woman's young daughter. A full family at best. Now the issues of the past come to haunt the entire family, and some answers must be found. Tip and Teddy must come to terms with their past. And, Doyle must answer to his children.
The life we lead is sometimes not what we think it is. The past may come to haunt us and decisions made for us and before us may not be what we want. Ann Patchett has the ability of taking a simple plot and making it into something it is not. The family and its center is the important aspect of her writing. This book was simplistic in plot, and the message was easy to grasp. It is a good novel, not one of her best, but enjoyable. After 'Bel Canto' the expectations were very high. There is something missing here and the plot though well devised is not as satisfying. But Ann Patchett's writing makes up for any deficit in plot- she is glorious in her use of the written word. Much to be admired.
Recommended. prisrob 08-20-07
Bel Canto (P.S.)
Truth & Beauty: A Friendship
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Engaging
I really felt the characters in this book were engaging and the story was well written. Not as good as Bel Canto but worth the read.
Published 1 month ago by WandaMoffat
5.0 out of 5 stars
as always, patchett comes through...
have read almost all of ann patchett's writings...
she is always perceptive, innovative and addresses
important issues without breaking the storyline.
she is always perceptive, innovative and addresses
important issues without breaking the storyline.
Published 2 months ago by mary f. northover
4.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Family
I have enjoyed Ann Patchett's other books, especially Bel Canto. Her characters in "Run" were very realistic and interesting - like watching a movie, and the story line... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Beverly Debenedictis
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not a Fan
Incomplete story with under developed characters. This book created more questions than it answered. "Run" could have been so much more.
Published 2 months ago by Selective Mom
4.0 out of 5 stars
Run
Good book. Interesting characters and involves an interesting twist of fate.
Ann Patchett creates a unique story of family dynamics.
Ann Patchett creates a unique story of family dynamics.
Published 2 months ago by kkmoore
2.0 out of 5 stars
Highly improbable
"Run" was a story composed of many improbable actions. A Joe Kennedy- type father and his wife adopt 2 young African-American sons in Boston. Wife dies. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R Maxwell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best case scenario
This was a great read. The author is good at taking a story where it would unlikely go. I recommend this and Bel Can to.
Published 2 months ago by Book Clubbin'
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting family dynamics
Enjoyed the story. Family dynamics well developed. Not her Brest book. Some outcomes predictable. Characters came alive. More dialogue may enhance the story.
Published 3 months ago by MLG
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another good story from Ann Patchett
This tale has enough twists and turns that keep one's attention. Patchett is a good story-teller about interesting people in interesting settings.
Published 3 months ago by Judypetunia
4.0 out of 5 stars
Run
A very different and interesting book
I read this for my book club but we haven't met yet to discuss the book.
I read this for my book club but we haven't met yet to discuss the book.
Published 3 months ago by Sandra Burton
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