Review: The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett

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 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.

This is a slow but engaging read which absorbs interest and draws you in to the story, beautifully written, sad and poignant. Set in Kentucky in the 1960s and 1970s, it reflects the attitudes of the time towards unmarried young women. However, in contrast to many books set in Ireland about homes for unmarried women, the girls are treated with respect by the nuns running the home and are encouraged to care for each other.

The beginning is very interesting in that it introduces the emphasis on religious symbolism which runs throughout the book. An intriguing aspect within the thread of Catholicism is guilt and penance, however this does not dominate the story which has also a fairy tale like quality, such as the house in the woods.

Momentum is maintained through narration by the three main characters, Martha Rose, ‘Son’ and Cecilia. Sister Evangeline is a lovely character, and the ‘Mother’ figure in so many ways having also been Mother Superior at one time. In contrast, the main character - Martha Rose - is not written as a sympathetic character, racked by guilt and punishing herself, sadly at the expense of those who loved her.

Recommendation: Had an unexpected ending which left a lot of questions unanswered.