Ann Patchett HOW do you do it???? She is truly the master of writing about life in all it's quiet messiness and nuance and mundanity! Every character is deeply real and deeply compelling, and the relationships, dialogue and rapport are particular standouts in Whistler. I was the teeniest bit worried this would be an affair plot between a woman and her ex-stepfather, but never fear! We are quickly steered away from any implication of that and instead get a beautiful found family-esque father-daughter dynamic that stems from shared trauma and deep, true love. The flashbacks and present day events weave seamlessly together and quietly build to an aching, gently devastating conclusion the left me weeping loudly. Ann Patchett you never fail to leave me in tears!!