Saint X Book Summary
Plot Summary
“Saint X” is a novel, by Alexis Schaitkin, that revolves around the mysterious death of Alison Thomas during a family vacation in the Caribbean in December 1995. The Thomas family, consisting of the parents and two sisters, 18-year-old Alison and 7-year-old Claire, are enjoying their stay at a luxurious resort on the remote island of Saint X. Alison, with her captivating beauty and friendly demeanor, becomes the center of attention for both the guests and the resort staff, especially Clive Richardson, known as Gogo, and his close friend Edwin Hastie.
On the eve of their departure, Alison disappears from the room she shares with Claire. A few days later, her body is discovered on one of the island’s cays. The circumstances of her death remain unclear due to the advanced state of decomposition. Clive and Edwin, the last known people to see Alison alive, are detained by the police but are released due to a lack of evidence. The case goes cold, leaving the Thomas family devastated.
Fast forward eighteen years, Claire, now an adult working in Manhattan, unexpectedly encounters Clive, who is now a taxi driver. This chance meeting reignites her determination to uncover the truth about her sister’s death. Claire, adopting the name Emily, begins to follow Clive, observing his life and trying to get closer to him. As they develop a cautious friendship, Claire’s obsession with finding answers grows, affecting her personal and professional life.
The climax of the story unfolds when Clive reveals the events of that fateful night. Alison, intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, had been with Clive and Edwin at a secluded spot on the island. She made advances towards both men, leading to unexpected and complicated interactions between the three. Alison’s subsequent disappearance and death are revealed to be a tragic accident, further complicated by societal norms and personal secrets.
The novel concludes with Claire’s realization that sometimes mysteries have simple explanations, and she must move forward, living in the present.
Themes and Motifs
- The Complexity of Human Relationships: The novel delves deep into the intricacies of human interactions, misunderstandings, and the consequences of actions.
- The Burden of Secrets: Both Claire and Clive carry the weight of their past, with secrets shaping their present and future.
- Cultural and Social Norms: The story touches upon the societal norms of the Caribbean, especially regarding sexuality and identity.
Book Recommendations Related to the Topic:
- “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
- A psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of memory, perception, and the dark sides of human nature.
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
- A gripping tale of a marriage gone terribly wrong, showcasing the depths of deceit and the lengths people will go to maintain their secrets.
- “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
- A brilliantly written tale of murder, society, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.
- “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson
- A novel about a woman who wakes up every day with no memory of who she is, and the dark secrets from her past that threaten her present.
- “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn
- A psychological thriller about an agoraphobic woman who believes she has witnessed a crime in her neighbor’s house, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.
These books, like “Saint X”, delve deep into the human psyche, exploring dark secrets, twisted relationships, and the boundaries between truth and deception.
