I couldn't overlook the strained timeline. I felt that the author had a story he wanted to tell but the plot required that the action begin in high school and that the characters needed to have a suicide and a mental breakdown ten years in the past. Since high school only lasts four years, Conroy had to work backwards from that time frame until he had a ten-year-old town hero. Who commits suicide. Whose younger brother has a mental breakdown. At eight. I'm not saying that is impossible, just that that is so far removed from the classic teen angst scenario that it would be the story, not the background to a story. I've enjoyed other books Conroy has written so I tried to give this a chance but nothing about the writing or the characters could help me overlook the problems with the plot. I couldn't overlook the strained timeline. I felt that the author had a story he wanted to tell but the plot required that the action begin in high school and that the characters needed to have a suicide and a mental breakdown ten years in the past. Since high school only lasts four years, Conroy had to work backwards from that time frame until he had a ten-year-old town hero. Who commits suicide. Whose younger brother has a mental breakdown. At eight. I'm not saying that is impossible, just that that is so far removed from the classic teen angst scenario that it would be the story, not the background to a story. I've enjoyed other books Conroy has written so I tried to give this a chance but nothing about the writing or the characters could help me overlook the problems with the plot.
Dear Pat Conroy, You have brought me great gifts of joy in your novels. I have loved your depictions of the south and cared for your characters like breathing souls. If I were an ungrateful brat who criticized those who lavished her with gifts, I would tell you that this was not my favorite present. It's as if you tried too hard to satiate my appetite for tragedy. This was overwrought with drama. And it was predictable. But I try hard not to be a bratty, so I'm just going to say thank you for all you've given me. I hope there's more presents from you in my future.All My Best, Jodi
—Yei
I didn't like this book at first. I thought of putting it down a few times. But I stuck with it and glad I did as I had not read any of his books but heard a lot of good things about them. He sure can paint an image with words as if he uses a thesaurus constantly. It is action driven, trashy and uses some stock stereotypes of the South and Charleston from late 60s to late 80s but I daresay it is probably true. Lively dialogue kept me going to the end where I couldn't put down the last 1/4 of the book.
—esha
A solid story with southern flavor. Great modern lit but maybe not a must read.
—Niad
Great thriller taking place in the South.
—alwaysisalwayswilbe
