Saint Anything Summary & Key Insights

Sarah Dessen's "Saint Anything" centers on the intertwined lives of the LeBlanc family, irrevocably altered by a tragic accident. The narrative unfolds primarily through the perspective of Sydney LeBlanc, a bright and fiercely independent young woman grappling with the aftermath of her older brother, Peyton's, actions leading to a fatal car crash. Peyton, previously idolized as the "saint" of the family, was driving drunk, causing the death of a young woman.

The accident shatters the LeBlanc family. Their father, a charismatic but emotionally distant priest, struggles with his faith and his inability to connect with his grieving family. He withdraws further, focusing on his work and neglecting his daughters. Sydney, burdened by guilt and resentment over Peyton's actions and her father's neglect, rebels, pushing away those who care about her, including her best friend, Layla. Peyton himself, consumed by guilt and facing legal repercussions, becomes a recluse, struggling to reconcile his actions with his past persona. Their mother, a seemingly calm and collected presence, quietly bears the weight of the family's collective trauma, attempting to hold them together amidst the chaos.

A key plot point involves Sydney's evolving relationship with her brother. While initially consumed by anger and betrayal, Sydney slowly begins to understand Peyton's struggles and the immense pressure he felt to live up to his saintly image. Their relationship, once defined by their sibling rivalry and Peyton's overshadowing presence, undergoes a gradual transformation as they navigate their grief and guilt together.

Another significant plotline follows Sydney's burgeoning romance with a young artist, Eli, who provides a much-needed source of support and understanding. Eli helps Sydney to confront her anger, embrace her independence, and ultimately, forgive herself and her brother. Through her relationship with Eli, Sydney learns to accept vulnerability and the complexities of human relationships.

"Saint Anything" explores several overarching themes. The impact of grief and trauma on family dynamics is central. The novel depicts the varying ways family members cope with loss – withdrawal, anger, denial, and acceptance – revealing the fragility of family bonds and the enduring power of love amidst devastating circumstances. The pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations, particularly the pressure Peyton felt to be the perfect son and brother, is another crucial theme. The novel also examines the complexities of forgiveness, both self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others, highlighting the long and difficult path towards healing. Finally, the novel subtly explores themes of faith and spirituality, examining the challenges of reconciling faith with personal tragedy and the search for meaning in the face of suffering. Ultimately, "Saint Anything" is a poignant story about family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection amidst unimaginable loss.