Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler is a family saga set in Baltimore, where the young Ian Bedloe grapples with guilt and responsibility after the deaths of his brother, Danny, and Danny's wife, Lucy. Ian drops out of college to care for their children, guided by Reverend Emmett and his church. Over two decades, Ian evolves, ultimately finding redemption and love with Rita and building a new family. Sensitive topics: suicide.

Anne Tyler's Saint Maybe is lauded for its profound exploration of redemption, with well-drawn characters and an engrossing narrative. Critics praise its emotional depth and portrayal of familial bonds. However, some note a slow pace and predictability. Overall, it’s a moving story, though not as universally appealing.

Fans of emotionally rich, character-driven narratives will relish Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler. Similar to Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Kent Haruf's Plainsong, it appeals to readers interested in themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the complexities of everyday life. Perfect for those who appreciate deeply poignant, introspective storytelling.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Inspirational

- Saint Maybe explores themes of guilt, redemption, and family dynamics, set against the backdrop of Baltimore, a recurrent setting in many of Anne Tyler's novels, showcasing her affection for the city.
- The novel was adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie in 1998, starring Thomas McCarthy and Mary-Louise Parker, indicating its appeal across different media formats.
- Anne Tyler, known for her keen observation of family life and character-driven narratives, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1989 for another one of her novels, Breathing Lessons.

Plot Summary

Book Brief

Explore Saint Maybe reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Saint Maybe

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Saint Maybe and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Saint Maybe

Book Brief

Saint Maybe

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Saint Maybe?