Saint Maybe

Anne Tyler

Ian Bedloe is the youngest son in his Baltimore family. He is in high school, his older sister is married, and his older brother has just married the most beautiful woman. Danny is in love with Lucy even though she is divorced with two children. Ian can see the attraction. But he also sees some other things about Lucy. He finally confronts Danny with his opinions.

From there life totally changes for the Bedloes. Ian knows that it is his fault. He is filled with guilt. Then he wanders into the Church of the Second Chance. Ian comes to term with himself and his relationship with God. Now, he needs to come to term with his family, and they with him. He needs to bring them back together.

This is a fascinating study of American life. Tyler does not dwell on too many particular stories in the Bedloe's lives except as they show the growth and change of the family, especially Ian. Although not a religious book, Ian's faith is a central part of the novel and is not handled derogatorally. I never knew what to expect because this does not follow any specific story line. Instead, it is vignettes from over the years as the family grows and changes. I never knew exactly what drew me into this story, yet I could not put it down. Tyler is a talented writer and this is one more book to showcase her work.