57 pages 1 hour read

Ann Patchett

The Patron Saint of Liars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

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Part 4, Chapters 4-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 4: “Cecilia”

Part 4, Chapter 4 Summary

After Son’s accident, Lorraine spends more time at Son and Sissy’s home. Though Lorraine annoys Sissy, Sissy tolerates her company. Lorraine is obsessed with learning about Rose and Son and asks Sissy a lot of questions. Lorraine is especially interested in Rose and finds her very mysterious.

Sissy assumed that things would change after her conversation with Rose, but they haven’t. They continue with the driving lessons, though Rose thinks Sissy no longer needs them since she was able to drive to Owensboro by herself. During one of their lessons, Rose tells Sissy about how she had picked up a hitchhiker, and this surprises Sissy.

Since Lorraine hates to feel left out, she tries to join their driving lessons, but Sissy won’t let her invade their private time. As a result, Lorraine sulks when Rose and Sissy go off together. One day, after their driving lesson, Rose suggests the girls go swimming. Lorraine and Sissy head to the river, with Sissy driving them there. After they reach the river, Sissy spots some acquaintances from school who are swimming there, too, and gets ready to join them. However, Lorraine begins crying, saying she doesn’t want to take her shirt off. She explains that she doesn’t want to be pregnant—she just wants a life like Sissy’s.

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