The characters were not fully developed and the reader is left wondering what the reason was for all the choices that were made by the main characters with no real explanation. The author left too much up to the reader and the references to names, places and events was too vague to drawn a conclusion on.

We did have a good conversation about why we DIDN\\\'T care for this book.

Ann Patchett's THE PATRON SAINT OF LIARS abounds in allegorical references, from the names of the characters to their physical traits. The main character, Rose, frustrates the reader with her closed, secretive nature, always a powder keg waiting for ignition. Sissy and Son's relationship appears so much more open and healthy, by contrast, yet the last portion of the book shows the limits that Son will place on full disclosure. The setting of the book offers rich symbolism for the reader to ponder. I think a reader from a Catholic-school background might enjoy the book more for all its allegorical and symbolic underpinnings than a reader without that education.