Alison was found dead under mysterious circumstances during a family vacation on the Caribbean island of Saint X.
In the novel “Saint X” by Alexis Schaitkin, Alison Thomas, a college student, goes missing during a family vacation on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint X. Her body is later discovered on a nearby cay, leading to an investigation that initially implicates two local men, Clive Richardson and Edwin Hastie. However, the case is eventually left unsolved, with the men released due to insufficient evidence.
Years later, Alison’s younger sister, Claire, who was seven at the time of the tragedy, becomes obsessed with understanding what happened to her sister. The novel delves into the complexities of Alison’s character, the impact of her death on her family, and the cultural and socioeconomic tensions between the island’s residents and tourists. Claire’s pursuit of the truth leads her to cross paths with Clive, who has since moved to New York and adopted a new identity. As Claire gets closer to Clive, she uncovers unsettling details about her sister’s life and the events leading up to her death, which challenge her perceptions and reveal the enigmatic nature of Alison’s existence. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, shifting timelines, and the haunting backdrop of Saint X, creating a rich tapestry that explores themes of privilege, identity, and the elusive nature of truth.