Saint X By Alexis Schaitkin, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
Saint X is a novel written by Alexis Schaitkin that has quickly become one of the most talked-about books of the year. In this novel, Schaitkin tells the story of a family vacation gone wrong, as two sisters take a trip to the Caribbean island of Saint X and one disappears. The novel explores themes of privilege, guilt, and the way the past always catches up to us.
Main Themes and Ideas
The themes of privilege and guilt run deep in Saint X. The novel explores the ways in which privilege can both shield people from consequences and make them feel guilty for their own privilege. The protagonist, Alison, struggles with her own guilt over the disappearance of her sister, and must come to terms with the fact that her family’s privilege may have played a role in it.
Another major theme in the novel is the idea of the past catching up to us. Despite the fact that Alison tries to leave her past behind and start a new life after her sister’s disappearance, she is haunted by the events of that trip to Saint X and finds that she can never truly escape them.
Critical Evaluation of the Writing Style
Overall, Schaitkin’s writing style is engaging and insightful. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating complex, nuanced characters. The novel is told from multiple perspectives, which allows the reader to see the events of the story from different angles and understand the motivations of each character.
One of the strengths of the novel is the way Schaitkin is able to create a sense of tension and unease throughout the book. The disappearance of Alison’s sister hangs over the characters and the plot like a dark cloud, and the reader is constantly aware that something terrible has happened and may happen again.
However, there are also some weaknesses in the book. At times, the plot meanders and loses focus, and some of the characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the ending of the novel may feel unsatisfactory to some readers, as it leaves some questions unanswered and doesn’t provide a clear resolution to the story.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Saint X has been compared to other works in the literary thriller genre, such as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Tana French’s In the Woods. Like those books, Saint X has a dark, suspenseful plot and explores themes of guilt and the unreliability of memory.
However, Saint X is also a more character-driven novel, with a focus on Alison’s internal struggles and emotional journey. While some readers may find this focus refreshing, others may be disappointed by the lack of emphasis on traditional thriller elements like plot twists and shocking revelations.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Overall, I found Saint X to be a well-written and thought-provoking novel that delves into some important issues. Despite its flaws, the novel succeeded in keeping my attention and keeping me engaged with the characters and their struggles. However, I do think that the book may not be for everyone, as it is a slower, more introspective read than some other books in the genre.
If you enjoy literary thrillers that explore complex characters and themes of privilege and guilt, I would definitely recommend giving Saint X a read. However, if you’re looking for a more action-packed, fast-paced read, this may not be the best choice for you.
FAQ
What is the genre of Saint X?
Saint X is a literary thriller.
What are some of the major themes of the book?
Some of the major themes of Saint X include privilege, guilt, and the way the past always catches up to us.
What is the writing style like?
Schaitkin’s writing style is engaging and insightful, and she has a talent for creating complex, nuanced characters.
Is Saint X a fast-paced read?
No, Saint X is a slower, more introspective read than some other books in the genre.
Would you recommend Saint X?
If you enjoy literary thrillers that explore complex characters and themes of privilege and guilt, I would definitely recommend giving Saint X a read.
