The Patron Saint Of Liars

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 12,822 ratings

Price: 1.99

Last update: 01-25-2025


About this item

A New York Times Notable Book

Acclaimed author Ann Patchett's debut novel, hailed as "beautifully written . . . a first novel that second- and third-time novelists would envy for its grace, insight, and compassion” (Boston Herald)

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.


From the Publisher

THESE PRECIOUS DAYS
STATE OF WONDER
TAFT
THE PATRON SAINT OF LIARS
TRUTH & BEAUTY
THE MAGICIAN’S ASSISTANT
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
6,564
4.3 out of 5 stars
11,580
3.9 out of 5 stars
3,152
4.3 out of 5 stars
12,775
4.3 out of 5 stars
2,097
4.1 out of 5 stars
6,259
Price $11.29 $15.20 $10.99 $11.99 $10.16 $10.49
THE DUTCH HOUSE
BEL CANTO
THIS IS THE STORY OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE
COMMONWEALTH
RUN
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
77,763
4.3 out of 5 stars
14,140
4.4 out of 5 stars
3,204
4.0 out of 5 stars
29,976
4.3 out of 5 stars
6,410
Price $9.99 $12.14 $9.96 $9.99 $10.69

Top reviews from the United States

  • C. O'leary
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Patron Saint of Liars—5 solid stars
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    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.
  • DJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars One egregiously implausible scene mars an otherwise strong story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    “Don’t ask me how I knew this, it was something about the look on his face when he saw her: he was a Catholic down to his bones. There’s a way a Catholic looks at a nun, even more than at a priest, like she’s a holy relic or something. The Shroud of Turin sitting in a chair.” (p380)

    Ann Patchett is a sensational writer, and this is a very good novel. For me, however, “Liars” doesn’t rise to the level of “Bel Canto” or “Tom Lake”.

    Patchett divides the story into three parts, each narrated by a different major character. I see the story in two parts, however. The first part – the setup – is interesting but relatively straightforward, while the second is the powerful, emotionally difficult story that matters. Separating the two parts is a critical scene that drives the plot forward. But the scene struck me as egregiously implausible on several levels. For me that took a bit of the shine off an otherwise strong story. It also made the ending, if not quite predictable, at least unsurprising. I wish Patchett had crafted that pivotal, transitional moment more credibly. I’m certain she could have done so.
  • Joan C. Curtis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Patchett's First Novel is GREAT!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2017
    Ann Patchett fans have probably already read this amazing book. It was Ms. Patchett's first novel. I can't believe that because it is so polished and well-done. I am not a full-fledged Ann Patchett fan because I found Commonwealth tedious at best and I only modestly enjoyed State of Wonder. But I loved Bel Canto and I have to say, I loved The Patron Saint of Liars.

    The story is about a young woman who felt trapped in her life. She's a devote Catholic and doesn't see divorce as an option. Instead she decides to leave her life and go as far away as possible. Unfortunately, she must leave not only people with whom she feels trapped but also her beloved mother. She leaves with no real plan except to find a good family who will take her baby.

    Not to spoil the story, I will leave it there. You'll have to read it to find out more. But, I will say that it is written in three clear and distinct points-of-view in sections. Each tells more about the inner workings of those three characters and their relationships to one another. That's one of my favorite kinds of books to read. That's why Susan Howach is one of my all-time favorite writers.
    Patchett writes with wonderful simplicity and clarity. Yes, there's a lot of inner dialogue and yes, there's a lot of backstory. But, the author handles both so well. This is the kind of book that is so touching, that tears form in your eyes as you read.
    Here are some especially stunning quotes:

    People think you have to be going someplace, when, in fact, the ride is plenty.

    There was a loneliness in being answered, as if God and I had less to say to each other now.

    It was a time in my life when a Junior Mint could meet the difference between happiness and unhappiness.

    If people do have more than one life in a lifetime, they should be careful to make sure the different versions of the past never overlap.

    ...missing people was a full-time job, being sorry about what was gone was going to take every waking minute now, so much time and energy that I had no choice but to stay right on that spot until they decided to come back.

    This is a book about loneliness. I felt the rawness of Rose's loneliness from the first page. She could love deeply and she could hurt others deeply.

    My only negative in this first novel is the redundancy. We heard how beautiful Rose was one or two or three times too many. As a reader, I wanted to say, "Okay, I get it!" But, overlooking that sleight, I can say this is a must-read and on my list of all-time favorite books.

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