57 pages • 1 hour read
Saint X
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the winter of 1995, the Thomas family vacations on the Caribbean island of Saint X, where their eldest daughter, Alison, goes missing and is found dead. Years later, Claire, Alison’s younger sister, crosses paths with Clive, once a suspect in Alison’s death. Claire seeks answers while Clive attempts to repair his life. The novel focuses on themes of class, privilege, and the lingering impact of Alison’s death. This book discusses the death of a child, sexual violence, and substance abuse.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
30,984 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin has garnered mixed reviews. Readers praise the author’s atmospheric writing and complex exploration of grief and privilege. However, some critics find the story’s pacing slow and the characters underdeveloped. The novel’s intricate narrative structure is appreciated but may challenge those expecting a straightforward thriller.
Who Should Read Saint X?
Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin will captivate readers who appreciate literary thrillers and character-driven mysteries, similar to those who enjoy Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. It delves into themes of grief, the complexities of memory, and the quest for truth, providing a profound emotional and psychological journey.
30,984 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Claire Thomas
Claire Thomas
Initially introduced as a seven-year-old with a close bond to her older sister, Alison, she later assumes the role of an amateur detective, driven by the enigma surrounding her sister’s death.
Clive Richardson
Clive Richardson
The novel’s antagonist, who navigates personal challenges and societal perceptions in the aftermath of Alison’s death and is initially a suspect in her presumed murder.
Edwin
Edwin
A charismatic and critical character who forms a strong friendship with Clive and serves as a catalyst for various events, particularly in relation to Alison and the American tourists.
Sara Lycott
Sara Lycott
Seen primarily from Clive’s perspective, she is the mother of his son and embodies themes of personal evolution and connection, particularly through her relationships with Clive and Edwin.
368
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.