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A History of Saints: A Novel of Identity and the Dangers of Indecision (or Haste) During an Economic Downturn, Including Dog Handling, Courtly Love, ... Belly Dancing, Poetry, Loss, and Addiction
A 2021 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist, Adult Fiction Humor
A playful satire of the Great Recession, set in America’s quirkiest town.
“The novel, like the house, is a claustrophobic den of big personalities, absurd activities, and unlikely objects, all sharply rendered in Davis’ wry prose. …The tale unfolds at an easygoing pace, more interested in developing the characters and their relationships than launching into any complex plot. It’s a story about a certain place at a certain time—an Asheville caught between its past and future—and it’s a fine spot to visit for a while.”
Kirkus Reviews
During the recession, to keep from losing his home—the stately “Carolina Court,” in Asheville, North Carolina—Frank Reed becomes a reluctant landlord to a houseful of misfits. A New Age outpost in the South, Asheville has plenty of eccentrics, and Frank’s elderly tenant, Angus Saxe-Pardee, is the strangest of all. Taking charge of the household, Angus rents the last remaining rooms to two women: Andromeda Megan Bell’s arrival prompts chivalry and brings a stalking ex-lover to Frank’s home; and in Lida Barfield, the elegant enigma, Angus at last meets his match.
In the feuding and chaos that follow, feral chihuahuas are captured, poetry is butchered, and love and gardening finally triumph.
For anyone grieving what we lose to gentrification, A History of Saints is a comedy of errors to revive memories of when our lives felt harder—yet were somehow richer.
A playful satire of the Great Recession, set in America’s quirkiest town.
“The novel, like the house, is a claustrophobic den of big personalities, absurd activities, and unlikely objects, all sharply rendered in Davis’ wry prose. …The tale unfolds at an easygoing pace, more interested in developing the characters and their relationships than launching into any complex plot. It’s a story about a certain place at a certain time—an Asheville caught between its past and future—and it’s a fine spot to visit for a while.”
Kirkus Reviews
During the recession, to keep from losing his home—the stately “Carolina Court,” in Asheville, North Carolina—Frank Reed becomes a reluctant landlord to a houseful of misfits. A New Age outpost in the South, Asheville has plenty of eccentrics, and Frank’s elderly tenant, Angus Saxe-Pardee, is the strangest of all. Taking charge of the household, Angus rents the last remaining rooms to two women: Andromeda Megan Bell’s arrival prompts chivalry and brings a stalking ex-lover to Frank’s home; and in Lida Barfield, the elegant enigma, Angus at last meets his match.
In the feuding and chaos that follow, feral chihuahuas are captured, poetry is butchered, and love and gardening finally triumph.
For anyone grieving what we lose to gentrification, A History of Saints is a comedy of errors to revive memories of when our lives felt harder—yet were somehow richer.
286 pages, Hardcover
Published December 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 24, 2022
What a fantastic read. Giving this to my Dad for Christmas! Haven't read such fun, eclectic, and evocative characters in a long time. They seemed like people the author knew, and if so he seems to have captured their essence adroitly. The plot was hilarious and captivating, with such natural dialogue. The interstitial illustrations added a nice touch and helped guide my imagination.
March 29, 2022
This book is very interesting. It takes place in the general vicinity of my house (no more info because of stalking and things like that) and my dad knows the author, so I felt I had to at least give it a try. It is quite a strange book, with what feels like a nonexistent plot and the most bizarre characters and events, but it comes together to be quite funny. With "quotes" to start each chapter and some really creative spins on classic tropes or stereotypes, it's just so unexpected that it startles you into laughing. The thing is, you would think that this is low-quality humor that relies on being random to be funny, but it's not. The way that Davis uses it (not exactly sparingly but still off-and-on) makes you consider the points being made about the topic, and the humor combined with Davis's realistic details and slice-of-life style of storytelling creates this little loose bubble of a twisted mix of lives. The story doesn't feel entirely encompassed like you're just seeing a few squares of a large quilt, but the book doesn't lack because of that. I enjoyed the Emily aspect of the book, as it was funny and also really well done. Overall, I was surprised that this book felt as satisfying as it was, but it was quite worth my time.
July 27, 2022
When I started it, I expected it to be a kind of Tom Robbins clone, and it could be compared to some of his work (as well as John Irving). However, it's quite unique. I imagine an audiobook version could be hysterical. It started a little slow, but stick with it to the 2nd or 3rd chapter, and it will pay dividends. It seems like such a small book, but it's chocked with so many great ideas and uniquely humorous characters and events. I was amused throughout and even had a giggling fit at one point. I laughed out loud several times, and I can't remember the last time that happened. Funniest book I've read in many years. I am rooting for it to find an audience!
February 7, 2023
What a cast of characters! Entertaining and very Asheville.
April 9, 2023
A charming read with rich character depiction.
September 3, 2025
Indy book. Took a lot of twists
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews