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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really good book
The deceit and resulting pain of the characters brought insight into relationships.
Such an unusual main character. A personality I had never “met” until this book.
This is a wonderful read full of emotion and thought provoking.
As an adopted adult and a Catholic, I was curious to read this book. I loved all the characters and how their minds worked and seeing the inner battles each one faced. Not necessarily a happy book to read but good for my soul to see all the emotions faced by each character.
I didn’t like the way Rose thought only of herself and what she wanted throughout the book. Initially she just left her husband rather than telling him she’s pregnant… then after deciding to keep her baby, Cecilia and marrying Son – she does not spend time with her daughter. She had such close ties with her mother, that it seemed odd to me. The …
Ann Patchett is a wonderful author and I was interested in reading her first book. I was not disappointed. I loved the way she wrote it from three people’s perspectives.
This is told in three parts with Rose, Son and Cecilia each taking turns. The narration has the feel of memory — where time is fluid in order to get at the emotional truth of the character.
This is a beautifully written meditation on Catholicism in Amercia in the early 20th century, and women pushing against the limited options availble to them. …
Intriguing!
Real life, thought provoking.
Interesting characters, kept my interest.
Interesting but too long
This book held my interest but the ending disappointed a little. I would recommend.
Love the author and this book did not disappoint.
Loved this book! Easy to read and you fall in love with the characters!
I enjoyed reading it but it felt almost unfinished at the end and none of the characters seemed super sympathetic. Except for maybe the ones that kept getting left behind.
Loved this. It called me to read when I should have been doing other things, and I kept thinking about the characters long after I finished. Like life, there is no neat ending.
Good book. Not a lot of characters. A little slow in places, but enjoyable.
well written, engrossing
I haven’t been a big Patchett fan, but found this early novel fascinating. For me, though, the central mystery remained unsolved. Which made the book more like life. All in all good read.
I have really enjoyed most of Ann Patchett’s books, but this was not one of my favorites.