The Diary of a Saint

by Arlo Bates

"The Diary of a Saint" by Arlo Bates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Ruth Privet, a young woman reflecting on her life, relationships, and struggles through a diary format. Set against a backdrop of changing social expectations, the narrative delves into themes of faith, personal identity, and the complexities of love and duty. At the start of the novel, Ruth shares her thoughts and feelings as she welcomes the New Year. She reflects on the beauty of her surroundings, the challenges of caring for her ailing mother, and her engagement to George Weston. The opening portion introduces a range of secondary characters, including friends and family, who impact her life and thoughts, especially in relation to her conflicted feelings about love and religious belief. Ruth confronts her doubts about her long engagement and grapples with the weight of expectations placed upon her by society and her own moral compass, setting the stage for deeper explorations of her character's journey as the story unfolds.