St. Elizabeth’s, a home for unwed mothers in Habit, Kentucky, usually harbors its residents for only a little while. Not so Rose Clinton, a beautiful, mysterious woman who comes to the home pregnant but not unwed, and stays. She plans to give up her child, thinking she cannot be the mother it needs. But when Cecilia is born, Rose makes a place for herself and her daughter amid St. Elizabeth’s … Elizabeth’s extended family of nuns and an ever-changing collection of pregnant teenage girls. Rose’s past won’t be kept away, though, even by St. Elizabeth’s; she cannot remain untouched by what she has left behind, even as she cannot change who she has become in the leaving.
In 1992, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett launched her remarkable career with the publication of her debut novel, The Patron Saint of Liars. On this 25th anniversary, read the best-selling book that is “beautifully written . . . a first novel that second- and third-time novelists would envy for its grace, insight, and compassion” (Boston Herald).
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Ann Patchett begins Patron Saint of Liars as though it will be a love story, and next thing you know, you’re was swept along on a journey with a young bride losing her mind and denying every thing she knows. There is a quality of repulsion and fascination that happens all at once, and the protagonist is as unlikable as she can possibly be, yet one …
I admire and enjoy the work of Ann Patchett and am glad I circled back to her luminous debut novel. The Patron Saint of Liars offers haunting characters, an interesting setting (St. Elizabeth’s, a Roman Catholic home in rural Kentucky for unwed mothers,) and lively dialogue that raises probing questions about what it means to be a parent.
I read this both because I had previously read and enjoyed the author but also because I am a minister as is the main character. It has been a while but I remember that I enjoyed it very much.
Interesting characters. I loved entering their world.
This is one of my favorite books. It held my interest from beginning to end and led me to read other Ann Patchett books
This is the book that started it all for me and Ann Patchett. I loved this book. So thought provoking.
Could find no reason to care.
Didn’t like the main character and found it difficult to care what happened to her. Mostly, she was a user. She took advantage of everyone and gave nothing in return.
I am evidently alone in my opinion since this book has really high reviews, Maybe we didn’t read the same book?
I went on reading this one after I’d finished Commonwealth. I can see that this one is the author’s early work. The theme appearing in Commonwealth has already loomed in The Patron Saint of Liars. This book is a good material if you want to study how a writer becomes herself.
Excellent first novel.
Beautiful writing!!
One of my very favorite books ever.
I really liked this story. I have read all books by this author and thought this was among the best.
I love all of Ann Patchet’s books. This was very good.
I recommend her books to everyone
This was a totally believable story of what happens when we try to keep secrets and society marginalizes people. I am certain stories like this played out throughout America and the world.
Loved the historical context of the book. Great characters and storyline. Surprising ending. Great character development. Love her writing style, very talented writer.
I found it difficult to care about the characters in this book, especially the protagonist. Frankly, I didn’t like her.
Atmospheric and unusual, and highly readable
Love Ann Patchet’s novels. Interesting story about relationships, family, loyalties, truthfulness.