Enjoyed the structure of this novel but found it challenging to emotionally connect with many of the characters. The writing is beautiful and I look forward to reading more of Hegi’s books.
dark sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Difficult to read, the style of writing is off-putting and tiresome. Also, characters are not at all interesting. Two stars because at least i finished it, kept me curious for the ending.

I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

Mid 1800s, Germany. Four different women are loosely connected by the setting and the terrible accident that happens right at the beginning of the book: the tragic drowning of three children when a freak wave rips them out of their mother’s arms.

I would recommend this to those who enjoy character driven stories but it felt more jumbled together than Hegi's other books. It seemed to take extra long for the storylines/characters to meld and understand how everything and everybody related to each other. I found myself reading sections twice (or more) to refresh myself on who was who and what was what.

2.75☆
dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

Ursula Hegi built us a beautiful circus and then elegantly said, “Now that I have your attention, female sexuality is not shameful, and birth control is healthcare. Teach people those things,” and I love her for it.

Definitely pre-order a copy of this book from your local indie bookstore before it comes out in August. Thanks, Flatiron Books, for the review copy!

This book has a great premise and the overarching themes are interesting. The format or editing wasn’t quite right though. And this book wound up a bit disjointed for my taste. This was an okay read to me. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mindset for it. Just not my favorite.
#ThePatronSaintofPregnantGirls. #NetGalley #FlatironBooks

Very interesting premise. The writing style also was different than usual - in a good way! It was very well laid out prose with lots of foreshadowing. Unfortunately I did not finish this book due to the incest storyline, which I do not enjoy reading about. I have given this book two stars, only because I was unable to finish it.

A very beautiful, almost fairy tale like story. Overall it's a story about girls, women and old women and how they intersect.

It took me a little bit to get into the groove with Hegi's style of writing. It's made up of quick and fragmented thoughts, but once I got into the rhythm it was a beautiful story to read.

The ending left some to be desired, it felt like you were just about to fall off the cliff, but your boat is left suspended in the air before it falls over. That is the best way to explain it - using that imagery. :-)

This is written by an experienced, talented author, and that shines through. She writes great characters experiencing great drama, and includes good dialog to go with it. Recommended for literature fans.

I really appreciate the NetGalley advanced copy for review!!

The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls by Ursula Hegi | ★★★ Review

A small, seaside town in Germany copes with the aftermath of a Hundred-Year Wave. The Zirkus approaches offering escapes, emotional for some and physical for others. St. Margaret’s Home for Pregnant Girls offers a haven for girls and purpose for women. Myths told to entertain children become a place of truth and hope for despairing adults.

This book reminded me of how I often feel when reading poetry. The words are beautifully strung together but I struggle to grasp the meeting. There were too many characters and plot lines going on for me, but the prose was lovely. I’m guessing that others will be swept away (no pun intended) by this book but overall it wasn’t for me.

This book will be published August 18th.

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonanschuster for sending me an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.