On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Patron by Elizabeth Hassan is a profound debut novel that weaves philosophy and spirituality into Layla’s transformative journey, revealing love as an eternal force and gratitude as the foundation of a meaningful life.
The Patron
In her debut novel, The Patron, Elizabeth Hassan crafts a luminous narrative that intertwines philosophy, spirituality, and the timeless quest for meaning. Centered on Layla, a woman navigating heartbreak, cultural divides, and existential trials, the novel is both a deeply personal story and a universal meditation on what sustains humanity: justice, benevolence, and gratitude. With a rich blend of emotional depth and intellectual inquiry, The Patron offers readers a rare literary experience—one that challenges cynicism and celebrates the eternal essence of love.
Layla’s journey is a tapestry of trials and revelations, set against a backdrop of diverse realms and encounters with strangers who teach her the transformative power of kindness. From moments of profound loss to unexpected acts of compassion, Layla learns that love is not merely a fleeting passion but, as Vincent Van Gogh is quoted in the novel, “eternal, the aspect may change, but not the essence.” This spiritual force, a gift from God, becomes the cornerstone of her growth, guiding her through a world often fractured by power and betrayal.
A pivotal moment in the story finds Layla imprisoned for treason in the kingdom of Ishfahan. Bewildered, she demands, “What exactly am I being accused of?” The king’s thunderous response—“TREASON!!”—marks a turning point, plunging her into despair as she wonders, How had things gone so wrong? Yet hope arrives in the form of a dove carrying a cryptic message: “Truth is the cure.” Inspired, Layla devises a daring plan, proclaiming herself a Mossad agent—a bold claim that, as the Prince of Jerusalem reflects, could only come from “a girl with a pure heart… trying to survive in a world where power ruled everything.” This act of courage underscores the novel’s exploration of truth as both a weapon and a salvation.
Hassan’s own life—marked by a postgraduate education and years of cross-cultural experiences—infuses The Patron with authenticity and nuance. Her admiration for historical figures like the Prophet Muhammad shapes the novel’s reverence for moral character and compassion. Layla’s journey mirrors Hassan’s belief that the most refined lives are grounded in gratitude, a theme that resonates in every encounter and revelation. The novel’s philosophical undertones invite readers to consider how gratitude and benevolence not only transform individuals but also form the bedrock of civilized societies.
In a literary landscape often dominated by haste and superficiality, The Patron stands out as a contemplative and heartfelt work. It refuses to shy away from the complexities of human experience, instead portraying every trial as a teacher and every loss as a doorway to renewal. Through Layla’s odyssey, Hassan reminds us that greatness lies not in intellect alone but in the quiet, sacred act of honoring others. As the novel weaves together love, loss, and the enduring power of kindness, it leaves readers with a gentle yet profound truth: every act of love is a thread in the wider human story.
The Patron is a debut that lingers long after the final page, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and the eternal gifts that shape them. For those seeking a story that marries emotional resonance with philosophical depth, Elizabeth Hassan’s novel is a must-read.
Elizabeth Hassan
Love, to me, is not simply a feeling—it is a divine inheritance. In ‘The Patron’, I wanted to show that real love, the kind that endures loss, silence, and time, is inseparable from gratitude. It lives in the spaces between cultures, in the hands of kind strangers, in the resilience of women like Layla who carry sorrow with grace. Our world too often celebrates power without kindness, intellect without humility. This book is my quiet rebellion against that. I believe that the greatest societies, like the greatest people, are not the ones that conquer—but the ones that care. That’s what I hope readers will remember: that love is a gift, and gratitude is the way we honour it.
–Elizabeth Hassan
Elizabeth Hassan is an author of South Asian descent with a postgraduate education and a professional background in administration. Her life and career have spanned multiple cultures, granting her deep insight into the philosophical and moral foundations of successful civilisations. Her admiration for historic figures such as the Prophet Muhammad continues to shape her belief in compassion, moral clarity, and the power of gratitude. ‘The Patron’ is her debut novel.
Find more from Elizabeth Hassan now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/44369Ty
Kindle: https://amzn.to/409ObMP
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3T3RPDU
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!