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The Book Show

Ann Patchett - Whistler

By Joe Donahue
Published June 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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Ann Patchett's new novel, Whistler, begins with a chance meeting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Daphne Fuller unexpectedly encounters Eddie Triplett, the former stepfather who vanished from her life decades earlier.

Their reunion reopens memories of a childhood tragedy and a relationship that quietly transformed them both. The latest novel is 'Whistler' which explores grief, coincidence, and the lingering pull of the past.

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The Book Show the book showbookann patchettnew york cityfamilygriefbonds
Joe Donahue
Joe talks to people on the radio for a living. In addition to countless impressive human "gets" - he has talked to a lot of Muppets. Joe grew up in Philadelphia, has been on the area airwaves for more than 25 years and currently lives in Washington County, NY with his wife, Kelly, and their dog, Brady. And yes, he reads every single book.
See stories by Joe Donahue
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