Thanks, BookishFirsts and Celadon Books, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Saint X" is a book following Claire, a woman who finds her sisters alleged killer years later. Claire begins to stalk her sister's alleged killer in an attempt to learn the truth. What really happened all those years ago on that quiet island night? When Claire finally knows the truth, the answer isn't quite what she, or anyone, could have guessed. But now that Claire knows, what will she do with the truth?
This book was interesting because it bounces between a lot of characters and timelines. Moments remembered by Claire are different from moments remembered by Claire. Even moments Claire imagines as her sister, Alison, are different. Somewhere in all these stories lies the truth, but maybe the truth is more complex than we realized. Schaitkin does excellent work giving each character a unique voice that allows the transitions to flow.
I also feel like the location worked wonders within the plot. Paradise tinged by sinister loss always holds an attraction for readers, but the paradise works on multiple levels depending on who is telling the story. This seemingly perfect place is able to be bend for each character that comes in contact with it. The descriptions are interesting, if only from a psychological view.
The one thing I think was most missing from this story was Alison's voice. There were some questions that only she could answer, and we never really get the satisfaction of knowing what the full story is. Alison leaves so many questions unanswered and that can be bitter sweet. Since this story follows Claire and her needs, I can see why some things would go unanswered, but for a reader this can be a let down.
Overall, "Saint X" is a wild ride. It's deep and mysterious, while also making me long for faraway beaches. There's something interesting about the people we allow into our lives and how their choices can change the trajectory of our own life. I give this book 4 stars!
"Saint X" is a book following Claire, a woman who finds her sisters alleged killer years later. Claire begins to stalk her sister's alleged killer in an attempt to learn the truth. What really happened all those years ago on that quiet island night? When Claire finally knows the truth, the answer isn't quite what she, or anyone, could have guessed. But now that Claire knows, what will she do with the truth?
This book was interesting because it bounces between a lot of characters and timelines. Moments remembered by Claire are different from moments remembered by Claire. Even moments Claire imagines as her sister, Alison, are different. Somewhere in all these stories lies the truth, but maybe the truth is more complex than we realized. Schaitkin does excellent work giving each character a unique voice that allows the transitions to flow.
I also feel like the location worked wonders within the plot. Paradise tinged by sinister loss always holds an attraction for readers, but the paradise works on multiple levels depending on who is telling the story. This seemingly perfect place is able to be bend for each character that comes in contact with it. The descriptions are interesting, if only from a psychological view.
The one thing I think was most missing from this story was Alison's voice. There were some questions that only she could answer, and we never really get the satisfaction of knowing what the full story is. Alison leaves so many questions unanswered and that can be bitter sweet. Since this story follows Claire and her needs, I can see why some things would go unanswered, but for a reader this can be a let down.
Overall, "Saint X" is a wild ride. It's deep and mysterious, while also making me long for faraway beaches. There's something interesting about the people we allow into our lives and how their choices can change the trajectory of our own life. I give this book 4 stars!