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kateyolivia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
kleonard's review against another edition
2.0
Often uneven and repetitive. Conroy's decision not to use a completely linear narrative resulted in some lack of clarity as to when certain events were taking place, or how things were resolved (if they were).
kategci's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Read this as a companion to The Great Santini which is my book club's March selection. It was very interesting reading the reality as Pat Conroy saw it and lived it and then fictionalized it. His father was a tough man; a Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam who brooked no disrespect or disagreement among those he commanded. Part of the Greatest Generation, he knew what his job entailed, but was unable to always differentiate between employees and family. Brutal to his wife and children if he perceived the slightest disagreement, he worked hard, drank hard and played hard. After leaving the Marine Corps, Pat's mother divorced him and he moved into a small apartment in Atlanta where he lived the rest of his life, seemingly very happy. He was not at all self reflective and denied any bad behavior earlier in his life. Pat Conroy made his peace with the man who tortured him through childhood, leading to demons he spent the rest of his life trying to tame.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
The Death of Santini, a memoir was a difficult book to read at times, as Pat was a victim of a scarred childhood carried though to his adult life – his anger, failed marriages his own demons, dark secrets, breakdowns, the suicide of his youngest brother, Tom, (5 of the children attempted suicide), the death of his mother.
When he published his novel “The Great Santini”, was a fictionalized version of his father which caused great controversy; and this one was the nonfictional account of his life with his abusive father. The book opened up his father and they began a journey to help make peace with the past. This book is about second chances of dysfunctional families and wars waged within and forgiveness – Thought provoking, powerful, emotional, tragic, yet moving and written from the heart.
Don Conroy expected total obedience from his children and ruled the house with a military discipline. The background of both Pat and Don, led to their extreme expectations of all sorts of behavior. However, during all the turmoil, there was something almost heroic about the way the family rallied during the most difficult times, which could prove they loved one another in their own way.
This book is a more honest account of family versus the prior book and heartbreaking. Pat Conroy opens up his raw feelings of abuse based on real events- Highly recommend for southern Pat Conroy fans, opening his personal connections, his life, and his writing. As usual, he interjects humor and expressive way of telling the story, making it easier to read with all the sadness.
When he published his novel “The Great Santini”, was a fictionalized version of his father which caused great controversy; and this one was the nonfictional account of his life with his abusive father. The book opened up his father and they began a journey to help make peace with the past. This book is about second chances of dysfunctional families and wars waged within and forgiveness – Thought provoking, powerful, emotional, tragic, yet moving and written from the heart.
Don Conroy expected total obedience from his children and ruled the house with a military discipline. The background of both Pat and Don, led to their extreme expectations of all sorts of behavior. However, during all the turmoil, there was something almost heroic about the way the family rallied during the most difficult times, which could prove they loved one another in their own way.
This book is a more honest account of family versus the prior book and heartbreaking. Pat Conroy opens up his raw feelings of abuse based on real events- Highly recommend for southern Pat Conroy fans, opening his personal connections, his life, and his writing. As usual, he interjects humor and expressive way of telling the story, making it easier to read with all the sadness.
mmc6661's review against another edition
4.0
Conroy did a wonderful job describing his childhood and his place in the Great Santini's life. I really felt for the children of the Conroy family and admired the way that Pat grew to love and respect his father as a man and a Marine while putting his demons to rest in stories. If you enjoy Conroy's fiction you need to read the story behing the stories.
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
One of those books that makes you feel much better about your own family. Love the sarcasm and dark humor that the family seems to have used to survive their childhood and to cope as adults.
daniellersalaz's review against another edition
5.0
If Pat Conroy could come to terms with the family drama in his past and become close to his abusive father as an adult, anyone can find new ways of relating to people who have wronged them or let them down.
bkmaedel's review against another edition
4.0
I love all things Conroy, so I enjoyed getting the actual tales about the heavily autobiographical characters in his novels. I love Conroy's prose (despite the fact it is heavily ridiculed by his family) and I was glad I grabbed this one at the library the other day. Recommend if you love Conroy and want to see the real underbelly of his family and his literary inspirations.
askmashka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
A reminder that no matter how difficult the relationship that we have our parents, it is never too late to forge adult relationships with them later in life.