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tracyksmith_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book when I first read it at 16. I have never forgotten it.
hedleyreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, and Racism
rdlevitt's review
4.0
The storytelling was really amazing, going through the epic story of the family. I couldn't tell if there were so many high-octane vocabulary words because Tom (as narrator) is trying to prove how smart he is, or if the author really liked using those words. I'm guessing the former? Overall a really good book (even though the wrapup of the affair with the therapist was kind of romance novel-y).
lilnoto's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“You get a little moody sometimes but I think that's because you like to read. People that like to read are always a little fucked up.”
emerygirl's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I listened to it, which took me longer, but really liked the narrator.
corleystone's review
5.0
Beautifully written, and a near perfect depiction of the lowcountry layered on top of wonderful storytelling. Conroy really shines when creating characters that are complex and emotional, and who make you feel like their trauma or joy is happening to you as well.
billymac1962's review
5.0
I read a lot of different genres. My only goal is to be entertained. I'll read horror in the hope that there is an author out there who can still shock me. I'll read fantasy or science fiction in the hope that some author will blow my mind with an incredible world or amazing life forms. I'll read suspense thrillers in the hope that there is still an author that will break the mould and twist a plot line so unexpectedly that it will keep me awake at night.
Those are the things I look for, and the things that will make me rate a book five stars.
But underlining all of this, is the most important thing of all. Keep me engaged with a great story with great characters.
Well, obviously you can see the five star rating here, so you know what the deal is.
The Prince of Tides is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. It's not horror or otherworldly or has an urgent hunt on for a homicidal lunatic. This is simply a family drama, about a South Carolina man whose twin sister has attempted suicide. The story follows Tom as he travels to New York City to discuss his sister's state with her psychologist and he relates their
childhood to her in the hopes that she can better understand her patient.
My kindle edition had this listed as 647 pages, but I would imagine the print edition had the words densely packed as this seemed longer than that. Not to say this was a slog, because the story was very difficult to put down. This is
simply a big book!
Pat Conroy is a master storyteller. His dysfunctional southern hick family has all the quirkiness you would want, and all the sensitivities you would expect from close knit siblings. The quality of writing and sheer engaging quality of the narrative is something you would expect from Stephen King if he was a straight fiction writer.
The best thing I can say about any novel is that I am sorry it is finished. I loved being into it.
An easy five stars and highly recommended to anyone.
Those are the things I look for, and the things that will make me rate a book five stars.
But underlining all of this, is the most important thing of all. Keep me engaged with a great story with great characters.
Well, obviously you can see the five star rating here, so you know what the deal is.
The Prince of Tides is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. It's not horror or otherworldly or has an urgent hunt on for a homicidal lunatic. This is simply a family drama, about a South Carolina man whose twin sister has attempted suicide. The story follows Tom as he travels to New York City to discuss his sister's state with her psychologist and he relates their
childhood to her in the hopes that she can better understand her patient.
My kindle edition had this listed as 647 pages, but I would imagine the print edition had the words densely packed as this seemed longer than that. Not to say this was a slog, because the story was very difficult to put down. This is
simply a big book!
Pat Conroy is a master storyteller. His dysfunctional southern hick family has all the quirkiness you would want, and all the sensitivities you would expect from close knit siblings. The quality of writing and sheer engaging quality of the narrative is something you would expect from Stephen King if he was a straight fiction writer.
The best thing I can say about any novel is that I am sorry it is finished. I loved being into it.
An easy five stars and highly recommended to anyone.
hectaizani's review against another edition
4.0
I love Pat Conroy, his books are so vivid, it almost feels like you're right there in the story with the characters. This time he's following the story of the Wingo family, as told by Tom Wingo. By alternating between present and past memory, Tom tells the dark story of his and his sibling's dark upbringing by an abusive father and inconstant mother to a psychiatrist who is attempting to help his twin sister after a suicide attempt. In doing so, he provides insight not only into Savannah's failed suicide, but also closure to his own past.
drjamilton's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0