The Saint Patroness of Liars

«The Saint Patroness of Liars» (1992) — the debut novel of Ann Patchett, which marked the beginning of her outstanding career. Habit, Kentucky, 1968. The St. Elizabeth's Shelter — a refuge for pregnant unmarried women and teenage girls.

Twenty-year-old Rose Clinton came here from California. She ran away from her husband, with whom she had lived for almost three years, when she realized she was pregnant but unhappy, and firmly decided never to return.

The residents of the shelter do not stay long — the newborns are left in the care of the nuns and the women leave the shelter, returning to their former lives.

Rose also plans to give up her child, believing that she cannot be a good mother. But when Cecilia is born, she realizes that parting with her is beyond her strength.