Ann Patchett has written seven other novels, including The Patron Saint of Liars (1992), Bel Canto (2001), and Commonwealth (2016). She has also written nonfiction books and articles on topics like marriage, writing, and friendship.
Patchett has stated that her writing is influenced by contemporary authors Zadie Smith, Colson Whitehead, Elizabeth Strout, Donna Tartt, and Michael Chabon. Like Patchett, these authors' novels are largely plot-driven with complex characters, and they explore the interpersonal dynamics of characters from disparate backgrounds.
Fairy tales and religious stories are also very influential in relation to Patchett's work. Of her Catholic faith, she has said,...
