I’ve been trying to look for some of Anne Tyler’ short stories, but it turns out none of them have been published as a collection. So I’m going to check my local library at home to see if they have them. So for now, I give you more insight on Saint Maybe!
Before Danny and Lucy died, Ian’s role in the family reminded me of myself. While he’s not the older sibling like me, that’s what he becomes to Agatha, Thomas and Daphne (Lucy’s kids). They enjoyed his sense of humor, but also took him seriously too. Especially having a brother with autism who’s so close to me in age, I feel extra protective. But at the same time, I can have fun and joke as much as a little kid. That being said, it’s sad to see Ian go from that to so serious and stiff after going to the Church. He even convinced his mother to send the kids to a summer Bible school there. Agatha doesn’t seem to like anything about the experience. I liked how this chapter was in Thomas’ perspective and it reminded me of Ian’s attitude about God and religion before he really got into it.
I’m not going to say I’m the most religious person in the world, whatever that even means. Everyone has their own system that works for them. So I’m Catholic and I go to church pretty much Sunday. And as I read some of the stuff Ian believes now, I couldn’t help being like “WHAT?!” Like apparently having sugar is just an “artificial stimulant” and when his girlfriend tries snuggling up to her, he pushes her away. I really liked Ian as a character, so I’m not a big fan of the new version of him.
