The author's purpose in "Saint X" is multifaceted and can be interpreted in several ways:
* Exploring the complexities of trauma and its long-term effects: The novel delves into the lasting consequences of Claire's traumatic experience on the island, examining how it shapes her relationships, identity, and worldview.
* Examining the nature of truth and memory: The story is told through multiple perspectives, each character offering their own fragmented version of events. Schaitkin prompts the reader to question the reliability of memory and the difficulty of accessing the "truth" in a complex situation.
* Investigating the power dynamics between women and men: The novel portrays the dynamics of power within the context of the island and the surrounding community, particularly highlighting the ways women are silenced, marginalized, and objectified.
* Exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and forgiveness: The characters grapple with their own complicity in the events that unfolded on the island, navigating feelings of guilt, responsibility, and the possibility of redemption.
* Commenting on societal expectations and the pressure to conform: The story touches on the societal pressures that Claire faces as a young woman, particularly within the context of her family and community, and the struggle to find her own sense of self.
Ultimately, Schaitkin's purpose in "Saint X" is to create a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, trauma, and the complexities of relationships.