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  • The Patron Saint of Liars

  • By: Ann Patchett
  • Narrated by: Julia Gibson
  • Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (1,244 ratings)

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The Patron Saint of Liars

By: Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Julia Gibson
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Publisher's summary

St. Elizabeth's is a lovely old place in a small town in Kentucky that used to be the beautiful Hotel Louisa. In the 1960s, it is a home for unwed mothers run by nuns. Life at St. Elizabeth's is not unpleasant, but it is temporary. All the pregnant women who come there will go home within the year. Except for Rose, a beautiful, mysterious woman, who is neither unwed nor alone.

She is simply pregnant and doesn't want her husband or her mother to know. She plans to give her baby up because she knows she cannot be the mother the baby needs.

But St. Elizabeth's is near a healing spring, and when Rose's time draws near, she cannot go through with her plans, not all of them. She cannot remain forever untouched by what she left behind and who she has become since the leaving.

A beautiful debut novel about life and love and faith.

©1992 Ann Patchett (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Thoughtful....a complex character study." (Library Journal)

"In an assured, warm, and graceful style, a moving novel that touches on the healing powers of chance sanctuaries of love and fancy in the acrid realities of living." (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about The Patron Saint of Liars

Average customer ratings
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

First experience with this author

Ann Patchett has been on my radar screen for awhile but this is the first book I'e read of hers. very compelling story, although at one point I got a bit restless when Son was narrating. it could have been the way the speaker spoke. A bit too measured for this fast talker. I was wondering how the author would solve a major problem in the plot, but she did. The end was criticized in an early review, but I thought it tied together very organically. Would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralling!

What if ? How our decisions affect other people, our loved ones. And a very surprising end..Enjoy !!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

I love Ann Patchett. This, sadly, was not her best work, IMHO. I did not feel the character development and strength I so admire in her other books. I did not feel any of the characters were presented and explored in depth. The story seemed disjointed and the ending felt like the author tired of writing this book and just ended it leaving so many unanswered question and loose ends.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

What a wonderful story. so beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

unforgettable characters

I had a bit of trouble distinguishing some of the voices but figured it out in context. I wish it had gone on to develop more of the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

One of my favorite listens

Such a different and interesting story! Highly recommend ! The characters are complex and some of their circumstances are surprising, which is always good in a story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good Read

Great Character Development and plot advancement over all great story telling by writer and narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic Anne Patchett story-telling

Characters are so strong- especially loved Sister Evangeline. These are people I want to know- exceptionally real.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My (second) Favorite Novel by Ann Patchett

I loved this book! Great story, great narration! I was hooked! This is my favorite Ann Patchett novel behind, "State of Wonder." I also really like "The Magician's Assistant," but this one is better. Happy listening!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

OK

Story was ok. Slow at parts. It left me with an empty sad feeling. Not much happiness.

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3 people found this helpful