The Recommended Reading Path
Alexis Schaitkin has quickly established herself as a master of atmospheric prose and psychological depth. Because her novels are standalones that set completely different tones and occupy distinct genres, there is no strict chronological or narrative ordering that readers must follow. However, for the best experience, we recommend starting with her debut novel:
- Saint X (2020) — Start here to experience Schaitkin's breakout mystery. It is a psychological thriller set against a lush, sun-soaked Caribbean backdrop, exploring themes of grief, class, and media obsession.
- Elsewhere (2022) — Read this second. It marks a transition into speculative, dystopian fiction, dealing with motherhood, isolated societies, and mysterious disappearances in a style reminiscent of classic speculative literature.
Alexis Schaitkin Books in Publication Order
For readers who prefer to follow an author’s evolution, reading in order of publication is a highly satisfying approach. Below is the complete listing of Alexis Schaitkin’s novels in the order they were published:
- Saint X (February 2020)
- Elsewhere (June 2022)
Short Stories and Anthologies
Before publishing her novels, Schaitkin was well-known in the literary community for her short fiction. For readers looking to explore her early writing, these notable publications are excellent entry points:
- "Natural Disasters" (Originally published in Ecotone Issue 24, subsequently selected for The Best American Short Stories 2019) — A haunting short story showcasing her early command of tone and setting.
- Other stories and essays have appeared in respected literary journals such as The Southern Review, Ploughshares, and the New England Review.
A Closer Look at the Novels
Saint X (2020)
Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint X, Schaitkin's debut novel begins with a family vacation that ends in tragedy. Alison Thomas, a beautiful and privileged college student, disappears and is later found dead. The mystery is never fully resolved by the police. Years later, her younger sister, Claire (now going by Emily), has a chance encounter with Clive Richardson—one of the original resort employees suspected of the crime—in a New York taxi. This encounter sparks an obsessive, dangerous pursuit of the truth, told through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives. The book is less of a traditional procedural mystery and more of a deep dive into class dynamics, the commodification of tragedy, and the lingering effects of grief.
Elsewhere (2022)
In her sophomore novel, Schaitkin shifts from realistic suspense to a mist-shrouded, dystopian mountain town. In this isolated community, a strange affliction affects the women: once they become mothers, they vanish into thin air. Vera, the protagonist, grows up in the shadow of her own mother's disappearance and must decide whether to embrace motherhood herself, knowing the risks it carries. Elsewhere is a dark, allegorical exploration of maternal anxiety, the intense pressure placed on mothers, and the price of conforming to societal expectations. The novel was named a finalist for the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction.
The "Saint X" Hulu Series Adaptation
In April 2023, Hulu released an eight-episode limited series adaptation of Saint X. Developed by Leila Gerstein, the adaptation stars Alycia Debnam-Carey as Emily Thomas and West Duchovny as Alison Thomas, with Josh Bonzie portraying Clive "Gogo" Richardson. While the series remains faithful to the novel's core themes of grief and sisterhood, it expands on the secondary characters' backgrounds and adjusts several pacing elements. Readers who enjoy the book will find the series to be a compelling companion piece that visualizes the stark contrast between the vibrant, sun-drenched Caribbean resort and the gritty streets of Brooklyn.
What to Know Before You Start
When diving into Alexis Schaitkin’s work, keep the following in mind:
- Total Standalones: You do not need to worry about cliffhangers or continuity errors. Both novels are self-contained and tell complete stories from beginning to end.
- Genre Shift: Be prepared for a significant shift in genre between the two books. Saint X is a realistic contemporary psychological drama, while Elsewhere is an allegorical, speculative dystopian novel.
- Style Over Action: Schaitkin’s writing prioritizes atmosphere, social commentary, and character introspection over fast-paced action. If you enjoy character-driven plots and lyrical prose, you will appreciate her writing style.