The Patron Saint of Liars

by Ann Patchett
The Patron Saint of Liars cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Contemporary Fiction
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  • ID: 5913
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-25
  • ISBN: 9781841150505
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett is a compelling novel that explores the lives of women who find themselves at St. Elizabeth's, a home for unwed mothers in the 1960s. The story is narrated by Rose, who arrives at the home and becomes deeply involved in the lives of the other residents. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the bonds that form in unexpected places. /n/n Set against the backdrop of a changing America, the novel captures the essence of a time when societal norms were being challenged. The characters are richly drawn, and their stories are told with warmth and empathy, making this a deeply moving and unforgettable read.

Reviews
Shut Up, Heathcliff! · Heathcliff · 2014-06-23
compelling 4.00

The book is a compelling exploration of faith, love, and family, with a strong sense of miracles. The main character's journey is particularly engaging, as she runs away from those who care about her.

This novel is a beautiful exploration of faith, love, and the complexities of family. The main character's journey is particularly compelling, as she runs away from those who care about her and takes a chance to be a father. The sense of miracles and the exploration of mother-daughter relationships add depth to the story. The book is a captivating read that speaks to the heart of what constitutes family and the power of faith.

Quick quotes

    It's a heck of an introduction to a main character, running away from good people who care about her and taking Thomas's chance to be a father with her.

    The book is a beautiful exploration of faith, love, and the complexities of family.

    The sense of miracles and the exploration of mother-daughter relationships add depth to the story.

The Literary Flaneur · The Literary Flaneur · 2014-01-18
entertaining 3.50

The story is entertaining and at times moving, with excellent characterization. It is a great story that keeps the reader engaged.

This novel is a great story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The characterization is excellent, and the story is both entertaining and moving. The author has a knack for creating distinct and memorable characters that stay with the reader long after the book is finished. The story is a journey of self-discovery and faith, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to embark on such a journey.

Quick quotes

    This was such a great story; I'm not sure how insightful it was, but I was entertained and at times moved.

    The characterization in this novel is excellent.

    The story is a journey of self-discovery and faith, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to embark on such a journey.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 1992-07-26
profound 4.00

The novel is not about social change or the Catholic Church, but rather about pilgrimage and the sense of the miraculous. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging.

This novel is a profound exploration of pilgrimage and the sense of the miraculous. It is not about social change or the Catholic Church, but rather about the journey of the characters and their experiences. The story is engaging and the characters are well-developed, making it a compelling read. The novel speaks to the heart of what it means to embark on a journey of self-discovery and faith.

Quick quotes

    But 'The Patron Saint of Liars' is not a novel about social change or the Catholic Church or even unwanted pregnancy. It is about pilgrimage and the sense of the miraculous.

    The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging.

    The novel speaks to the heart of what it means to embark on a journey of self-discovery and faith.

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