Wayward Saints
I enjoyed Wayward Saints by Suzzy Roche, identifying with the daughter, Mary, who is trying to find her authentic voice, and her mother who is seeking to understand her daughter. Love is the thread that stitches the two together, in spite of their differences. A chain stitch, perhaps, that works for Mary and Jean, and the other relationships in the story. There is an obvious religious element in the story, not pontificating, but part of the personalities. Perhaps someone with a firmer grounding than I would understand Jean, especially. That said Roche writes so that the reader can still feel how strongly Jean feels, and know that love is not judgmental.
Rated of 5
by Deb Y. (Blanco, TX)
What a lovely book!
It seems, when I read other readers' reviews, that mine do not dissect the book the way some do. If it holds my interest and don't want to stop after the first three or four chapters, I will finish it. This is one of those books. I liked it. I would imagine quite a few reviewers might not. However, I loved Suzzy's word choices and enjoyed the story. It let me know that, in many ways, you really can go home again.
Rated of 5
by Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)
Wow...Great Characters
I really enjoyed this book! The 2 main characters were very well developed in both the here and now and in the secrets they were keeping. Having a musician for a husband, I could really relate to Mary's character and I think she got the ups and downs of that life pretty accurately. I enjoyed the developing story lines between the 2 characters.
Rated of 5
by Catharine L. (Petoskey,
It's a 4 1/2!
The story grabs the reader from the first page. Mary Saint, lead singer for the hardrock band, Sliced Ham - almost famous, and then Garbagio, bandmember and Mary's lover dies and it's over. The characters are unique, real, and marvelous. You laugh and cry with them. I'm not a hard rock fan but loved the words to "The Back of My Ass" and "Sewer Flower", and the reaction of Mary's mother to the concert is priceless. Watching Mary overcoming her past, reconnecting with her mother, and beginning a new life is a joy to read.
Rated of 5
by Beth C. (Sioux Falls, SD)
Wayward Saints - Finding Their Way
Literally, "Wayward Saints" by singer, Suzzy Roche, is a quirky novel about a mother and daughter, Jean and Mary Saint. Each is fighting to overcome issues that darkened their lives as Mary was growing up. They are also working through current problems - Jean's abusive husband is now a victim of Alzheimer's and lives in a nursing home. Mary, once a rising alternative rock star, has crashed is trying to put her pieces back together.
However, figuratively there are a number of "saints" in the book. These include friends and acquaintances that somehow help both Jean and Mary on their paths to redemption.
It was a slow starting book, but I enjoyed it. It would make an interesting book group discussion topic.
Rated of 5
by Tracy B. (New Castle, DE)
Wayward Saints
The characters started out living in very different worlds. I was wondering how they would or if they could ever be in the same room. The religious thread challenged almost everyone's belief system and in the end was what brought "family" together.
Stories where people find their voice resonate with me. This was one of those journeys. Struggle's, sorrow, faith and joy were the foundation of the clear development of each character. The twists, coincidences, clashes and surprises made for a good read.
Rated of 5
by Debra V. (Kenosha, WI)
Wayward Saints
I really enjoyed Wayward Saints by Suzzy Roche. It is very interesting to read novels written from the perspective of an author who has actually "done" what they are writing about. In most cases, this type of author does not mix a good story with great writing, however Suzzy Roche mixes wry style with graceful writing and the result is a great book that captures your attention until the last page! The only criticism I have is that the "arch nemesis" Adele is never really formed as a character, so why mention her at all?
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of 5
by Mary P. (Bellingham, WA)
of 5
by Deb Y. (Blanco, TX)
