The Patron Saint of Liars

By Ann Patchett

Book Overview

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)--now available as a special Harper Perennial Olive Edition.

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.

Harper Perennial Olive Editions are exclusive small-format editions of some of our bestselling and celebrated titles, and feature unique hand-drawn cover illustrations. All Olive Editions are available for a limited time only.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006345842X
• ISBN13: 9780063458420
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.4" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

I read Bel Canto and was blown away by Ann Patchett. Such heart-breakingly beautiful writing, I wouldn't care if she was writing about the mating habits of slugs because I know her writing would make it wonderful. I followed Bel Canto with Patron Saint of Liars and was not disappointed, only affirmed. She quickly became one of my favorite authors. I could see the clouds rolling lazily over Habit, Kentucky. I could smell the grass. I didn't want it all to end.

Evocative

I didn't want this book to end - I wanted to keep reading the inner monologues of Rose and Cecilia and Son. What better compliment or recomendation is there about a story? What captured me was the vulnerability and honesty, the unflinching self-evaluation of the characters. I loved the relationships, the language, the almost tangible landscape. Some moments between Rose and Cecilia, Son and Cecilia - were so rich and so raw - I had to look away from the page for a moment. That's writing worth reading - and sharing!