My Thoughts on Run by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett’s Run is a poignant novel on the topics of family, identity, and privilege. The novel is exquisitely told and tackles the nuances of love, race, and politics. Patchett is renowned for writing enthralling stories, and Run is no exception.
Summary of Run by Ann Patchett
The story follows the Doyle family in Boston, led by Bernard Doyle, a former mayor with high political ambitions. He has two adopted Black sons, Tip and Teddy, whom he raises with strong values and a vision for their future. Their world changes one snowy evening when a woman named Tennessee, who has secretly been watching over them, saves Tip from an accident. This event unravels long-hidden family secrets and forces the characters to reevaluate their lives and relationships. The novel takes readers on a journey of discovery, highlighting themes of fate, belonging, and unconditional love.
Pacing of Run
The novel progresses slowly, building characters’ backgrounds and motivations. As events unfold, pace picks up, especially after the life-altering accident. The introspective and conversational scenes are nicely contrasted by Patchett, maintaining smooth flow in the novel. The slow revealing of revelations maintains readers’ attention without ever feeling rushed.
Characters in Run by Ann Patchett
Bernard Doyle – The widower father who is given to having lofty expectations for his sons, pushing them towards a life in politics.
Tip Doyle – An intelligent and independent-minded college student who struggles with his father’s expectations.
Teddy Doyle – A religious and gentle youth who looks to religious and philosophical means for solace.
Sullivan Doyle – The estranged elder brother, whose visit is loaded with tension and unresolved emotions.
Tennessee Moser – The woman who stood silently for decades, holding in a secret that flips everything on its head.
Kenya Moser – The young daughter of Tennessee, who is thrust abruptly into the world of the Doyle family.
Each character is developed painstakingly, and thus, is realistic and identifiable. Their personal struggles lend depth to the novel, and readers can identify and identify with their struggles.
Writing Style of Ann Patchett in Run
Ann Patchett’s writing is lyrical and descriptive. She excels in painting pictures and in building deep emotional connections between characters. The snowy landscape in Boston is rendered to life by her description, and by capturing nuances in feelings, she gives authenticity to the novel. The naturalness in conversations and shifts between the past and the present make the novel an easy read.
Themes in Run by Ann Patchett
Family and Belonging
The novel touches on the subject of family and how bonds between individuals are forged through love, and not genetics. The dynamics in the Doyle household alter through revelations, and acceptance and understanding assume greater importance.
Privilege and Race
Patchett subtly hints at race and privilege through Tip and Teddy’s adoption. As Black children in their predominantly white household, their life is filled with crucial conversations around identity and expectation.
Politics and Hopes
Bernard Doyle’s desire for his sons to enter politics and continue where he left off is an expression of parents’ aspirations versus personal aspirations. The novel questions whether or not ambition is burdensome and whether humans have freedom in choosing their future.
Fate and Chance
The incident, in presenting Tennessee and Kenya to life in the Doyle’s, is something to make one ask whether in fact there is such thing as fate and whether there is something greater than us who is guiding our life.
Rating of Run by Ann Patchett
⭐ 4.5/5 StarsRun is a beautifully written novel of great emotional depth. The characters and plot are enthralling, but the slow pace may take time. It is a must-read for readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven novels.
About the Author
Ann Patchett is an acclaimed American literary fiction author. She is a winner of multiple awards, including such awards as the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize for Fiction. Amongst several of her works is
Bel Canto – The novel of music, politics, and unexpected hostage situation.
Commonwealth – An epic, generation-spanning saga on how their world changed following a tragic accident.
The Dutch House – A powerful story about a sibling bond and the impact of loss.
Patchett’s novels tend to focus on such themes as family, relationships, and moral choice, and thus rank amongst the most acclaimed authors writing today.
Final Thoughts on Run by Ann Patchett
Run is an emotionally powerful and introspective novel in capturing the essence of family, identity, and fate. Ann Patchett’s writing is intriguing and profound, and readers who favor literary novels will have no complaints in calling Run an enjoyable and rewarding read. The mix of strong characters, poignant subject matter, and lyrical writing makes Run a novel to cherish. If you’re someone who likes novels to penetrate deep into human emotions and feelings in an honest and realistic approach, Run is an ideal pick.