A review by tallangryplanet
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

But we all have darkness inside us. It is just a question of how much of us is light as well.

Where to start with this book? All the Crooked Saints tells the story of Bicho Raro, a little town lost in the Colorado desert,and its inhabitants, pilgrims and saints alike. For the Soria family possess the uncanny ability to perform miracles that will manifest a pilgrim's darkness so that they can get rid of it. 

I have read this book many times over the years, but this was my first time listening to the audiobook and it was... underwhelming. This is a gentle story that is best read with your own eyes, with time to savour it and go back to the beginning of a sentence when things finally click and rejoice in the beautiful choice of words. That said, the narrator does a great job of bringing the world and the characters to life, and the atmosphere in the audiobook is still wonderful. 

The story itself is gripping, every single time I am consumed by worry for the characters, especially Beatriz as she struggles to realise that people have been truly wrong about her and starts the process of accepting that she, too, is human. But really, all of the characters are well-developed, with complicated pasts that make coming to terms with their darkness even more difficult, and it is incredibly easy to connect with and feel for them. Their relationships are also truly wholesome, particularly the way the pilgrims care for each other despite knowing (or hoping) their situation will be temporary, and Marisita's arch? Amazing. Although not in such an extreme way, I saw a lot of myself reflected in her actions and life, and I wish her the absolute best. 

The world Stiefvater has created for these characters is almost as wonderful as they are. It is just whimsical enough that you might take it at face value and suddenly reevaluate everything you think you know after reading one little detail. This is really helped by the writing, which is profound and gorgeous and moving. Picking just one quote from the book for this review was actually a struggle, as it is full of interesting reflections and beautiful lines. All of this creates an atmosphere that leaves you thirsting for more. 

In case you couldn't tell yet, this is one of my all-time favourite books, and I can't help coming back to it time and time again. It's a story about knowing yourself, your weaknesses and strengths, and also about knowing when to let others in so they can help you, and finding strength in your community. It's strange and heartfelt and owns my entire soul, so if you're looking for something that can change your heart for the better this might just be the book for you.