Synopsis
Here is a thing everyone wants: A miracle.
Here is a thing everyone fears: What it takes to get one.
Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars.
At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts; Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo.
They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect.
Review
“All the Crooked Saints” by Maggie Stiefvater ventures into the realm of magical realism, offering a unique narrative that blends mysticism with the struggles of self-discovery. While the novel showcases Stiefvater’s distinctive prose and imaginative world-building, it falls short in some areas, leaving readers with a mixed experience.
Set in the desert of Colorado, the novel follows the Soria family, who possess the ability to perform miracles for pilgrims seeking transformation. However, there’s a catch: the Sorias cannot intervene in the pilgrims’ inner struggles, leaving the seekers to navigate their own emotional landscapes. The story unfolds as the Soria cousins grapple with their own desires for miracles, challenging family dynamics, and the consequences of meddling in the destinies of others.
Stiefvater delves into themes of self-discovery, the complexities of familial bonds, and the blurred lines between miracles and personal growth. The novel explores the weight of one’s own darkness and the challenges of confronting and overcoming inner demons. However, while the thematic depth is apparent, the execution leaves room for ambiguity and may leave some readers craving more clarity.
As a reader, I appreciated Stiefvater’s lyrical prose and the atmospheric setting she created in the Colorado desert. The concept of miracles tied to personal growth was intriguing, and the diverse cast of characters added layers to the narrative. However, the story’s pacing was uneven, slow and plodding for most of the novel, and then a resolution that felt rushed, as though the author realised they had waffled for 200 pages and needed an ending, which left me wanting a more concrete and satisfying resolution.
“All the Crooked Saints” suffers from a narrative that, at times, feels meandering and detached. The magical realism, while enchanting, occasionally overshadows character development, making it challenging to fully connect with the protagonists. The resolution, while thematically consistent, may leave some readers unsatisfied due to its open-ended nature.
In comparison to Stiefvater’s other works, such as the “Raven Cycle” series, “All the Crooked Saints” may feel less tightly woven. The introspective nature of the narrative aligns with her distinctive style, but it might not resonate as strongly with readers expecting the plot-driven intensity found in her previous works, as well as the well-fleshed out characters and satisfying resolution. After reading the “Raven Cycle” series by Stiefvater, I had high hopes for this book, especially given the premise, but unfortunately it fell short.
This novel is recommended for readers who appreciate atmospheric and introspective storytelling, particularly those drawn to magical realism. If you are willing to embrace ambiguity and uneven pacing, and prioritise thematic exploration over a tightly plotted narrative, “All the Crooked Saints” may be an intriguing addition to your reading list.
“All the Crooked Saints” showcases Maggie Stiefvater’s ability to create evocative worlds and explore profound themes. While the novel possesses moments of brilliance, the uneven pacing and open-ended resolution might deter some readers. For those willing to delve into the complexities of human nature and the magic within, this three-star rated book offers an enchanting, albeit somewhat elusive, experience.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
You can buy a copy of ‘All the Crooked Saints’ on Amazon
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