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A review by pbraue13
The Great Santini by Pat Conroy
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pat Conroy’s The Great Santini is a deeply moving and complex novel that delves into the turbulent life of a military family under the authoritarian rule of Marine fighter pilot Colonel Bull Meecham, known as "The Great Santini." Conroy's writing is both evocative and poignant, capturing the intensity of the characters' emotions and the intricacies of their relationships with great skill.
On the positive side, Conroy excels in creating multifaceted characters and a richly detailed setting. The novel’s portrayal of Bull Meecham is particularly compelling. Bull is a force of nature, whose domineering and abusive behavior is both terrifying and fascinating. Conroy’s ability to present Bull’s rare moments of vulnerability alongside his relentless harshness adds depth to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain. This complexity is mirrored in the other characters, especially Ben, Bull’s son, who grapples with both admiration and fear for his father.
However, the novel’s handling of racism is more problematic. Conroy goes beyond simply portraying the characters as ignorant; he embeds their racist attitudes deeply into their identities, reflecting the pervasive and insidious nature of racism in the society they inhabit. While this realism adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, it also makes for uncomfortable reading. The frequent and intense depictions of racist behavior and language can be overwhelming, and at times, it feels as though the book fails to adequately critique or contextualize this racism. This can leave readers struggling to reconcile the characters' prejudices with their other, more redeeming qualities.
Moreover, while the summary of the book suggests that readers will start by hating Bull and eventually grow to love him, this emotional journey is not straightforward. Bull’s moments of tenderness are fleeting and often overshadowed by his relentless cruelty and bigotry. For many readers, these brief glimpses into his softer side are insufficient to fully redeem him. The struggle to grow to love Bull, as promised by the summary, can feel forced and unconvincing, given the extent of his abusive behavior and the harm he causes to those around him.
In conclusion, The Great Santini is a powerful and well-crafted novel that offers a vivid portrayal of a military family’s struggles. Conroy’s ability to create complex, realistic characters is commendable, but the novel’s treatment of racism and the problematic redemption arc of Bull Meecham may leave readers conflicted. While the novel succeeds in making readers understand Bull, it falls short of making them love him, resulting in a story that is both compelling and troubling.
3.5/5 stars
On the positive side, Conroy excels in creating multifaceted characters and a richly detailed setting. The novel’s portrayal of Bull Meecham is particularly compelling. Bull is a force of nature, whose domineering and abusive behavior is both terrifying and fascinating. Conroy’s ability to present Bull’s rare moments of vulnerability alongside his relentless harshness adds depth to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain. This complexity is mirrored in the other characters, especially Ben, Bull’s son, who grapples with both admiration and fear for his father.
However, the novel’s handling of racism is more problematic. Conroy goes beyond simply portraying the characters as ignorant; he embeds their racist attitudes deeply into their identities, reflecting the pervasive and insidious nature of racism in the society they inhabit. While this realism adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, it also makes for uncomfortable reading. The frequent and intense depictions of racist behavior and language can be overwhelming, and at times, it feels as though the book fails to adequately critique or contextualize this racism. This can leave readers struggling to reconcile the characters' prejudices with their other, more redeeming qualities.
Moreover, while the summary of the book suggests that readers will start by hating Bull and eventually grow to love him, this emotional journey is not straightforward. Bull’s moments of tenderness are fleeting and often overshadowed by his relentless cruelty and bigotry. For many readers, these brief glimpses into his softer side are insufficient to fully redeem him. The struggle to grow to love Bull, as promised by the summary, can feel forced and unconvincing, given the extent of his abusive behavior and the harm he causes to those around him.
In conclusion, The Great Santini is a powerful and well-crafted novel that offers a vivid portrayal of a military family’s struggles. Conroy’s ability to create complex, realistic characters is commendable, but the novel’s treatment of racism and the problematic redemption arc of Bull Meecham may leave readers conflicted. While the novel succeeds in making readers understand Bull, it falls short of making them love him, resulting in a story that is both compelling and troubling.
3.5/5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse