Ann Patchett has worked her magic on me once again. Commonwealth was a bone-deep exploration of the lives of the Cousins and Keating families when the Dad and Mom, respectively, of each family decide to leave their spouses and marry each other. What follows is the journey of each individual as they navigate this particular commonwealth created out of both love and selfishness. 
 I went through a series of emotions while reading this - anger, despair, hope, disappointment, eventually reaching a point of antipathy just as the turning point in the story occurs. What happened next was Patchett reeling me back in and punishing me for ever doubting her (in a good way). 
 The book really hinges on one of the daughter's becoming involved with a famous author, whose recent bestseller is based on stories of her family. The result is explosive as estranged members of the family find out and secrets and truths kept hidden finally come to light. 
 I thought Patchett did an admirable job of balancing out the relationships. It wasn't treacly or manipulative, dire or maudlin. The characters and situations felt true and I came to care about them. 
 To give away any details would be to take away from the experience of this book. 
 4.5 stars