Patron Saint of Liars Paperback – 6 August 2020

I have now read 4 of Ann Patchett’s novels, and although this was her first, it’s my favorite so far. A complex, flawed, almost unfathomable main character, Rose, looks for signs from God about the direction her life should take and then is relentless in her pursuit. An interesting, but also not-particularly-interesting setting—a former luxury hotel, now a home for pregnant girls in Kentucky. The time period is the 1960s-1970s. Girls come and go; a gentle giant of a property caretaker helps out; an elderly nun has super powers of her own, the ability to see one’s future and one’s past. All is made more interesting by the birth of Rose’s child, a smart and precocious little girl. The interwoven personalities, and sometimes the actions they take, leave you thinking about the book long after you’ve put it down. It’s complicated. It’s interesting. Not a bit suspenseful, but psychological. All in a low-key way that speaks to the talent of this writer. I could see it being a good choice for a book club discussion. I also listened to the audiobook. Julia Gibson is an excellent narrator, who brings the characters to life. I highly recommend this book.

Loved the characters...so perfectly described and not overly so. Their essences came through, as did their interchange, making them stamps in my heart. Great writing, creating a sweet slice of a real world.

Some people are a mystery. What they think, what motivates them to act in the way that they do and why they tell the half-truths or lies to those closest to them. The reasons for all of the above are only known to themselves.In Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett, Rose is a mystery.Rose is married to a sweet man, who allows her the freedom to spend all day doing what she loves – driving. For Rose the destination isn’t important, just the journey and the freedom it brings.Rose discovers that she’s pregnant and takes off driving across to the other side of America. She leaves her husband a simple note.Rose heads for St. Elizabeth’s. St. Elizabeth’s is a former hotel, that is run by Roman Catholic Nuns. It is a place where women go to complete their pregnancy, give birth and then give their baby up for adoption.But nothing works out like Rose planned. Rose meets Son, a handyman more than twenty years her senior. She finds a place in the kitchen, helping Sister Evangeline out with the cooking. Sister Evangeline and Rose become close friends, but that’s because Sister Evangeline accepts that Rose will never open up about her past or herself. Rose also meets the kind June Clatterbuck, who owns the land St. Elizabeth’s is on and lives across a field.There’s nothing I could writes in this review to explain the brilliance of this Patron Saint of Liars. The first person perspective is perfect and the changes between the three main characters happens at exactly the right times.The description is ideal, informative and ignites the readers imagination. The pacing, set over a lifetime is impeccable. Each of the characters and their development is superb.Patron Saint of Liars is a pleasurable read, that captivates throughout and will leave the reader wanting more. It is Patchett’s writing at her very best. It would make a blockbuster of a film.I don’t grade reviews, but if I did Patron Saint of Liars would get 12 out of 10. You simply must read this fantastic and life-changing work of fiction.Review soon,Antony

Left me flat

Agree that the main character probably was on the spectrum otherwise she was pretty frustrating. Just thought things might wrap up better at the end.