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The Prince Of Tides: by Pat Conroy Paperback – 3 July 2006

by Pat Conroy (Author)

8,988 ratings

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Pat Conroy's inspired masterpiece relates the dark and violent chronicle of an astounding family: the Wingos of Colleton, South Carolina. No reader will forget them. And no reader can remain untouched by their story.

All Wingos share one heritage ... shrimp fishing, poverty and the searing memory of a single terrifying event - the source of Tom Wingo's self-hatred and of his sister Savannah's suicidal despair.

To save himself and Savannah, Tom confronts the past with the help of New York psychologist Susan Lowenstein.

As Tom and Susan unravel the bitter history of his troubled childhood, in episodes of grotesque humour, poignant lyricism and shattering violence, the door opens vividly onto a world peopled by a cast of colourful, eccentric and unforgettable characters.

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A masterpiece that can compare with Steinbeck's East of Eden... Some books make you laugh; some make you cry; some make you think. The Prince of Tides is a rarity. It does all three ― Detroit Free Press

A big, sprawling saga of a novel... the kind you can hole up with and put down feeling that you've emerged from a terrible, wonderful spell ― San Francisco Chronicle

A moving novel which manages to shock you, make you cry and laugh ― Daily Mail

You wish it would never end ― Vanity Fair

Irresistible ― Independent

From the Publisher

The dark and violent chronicle of an astounding family: the Wingos of Colleton, South Carolina.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Swan; 1st edition (3 July 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0552773581
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0552773584
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.7 x 4.1 x 19.8 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 49,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 2,475 in Psychological Fiction (Books)
- 4,126 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
- 7,486 in Biographies & Memoirs (Books)

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8,988 ratings

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Pat Conroy

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Pat Conroy is the author of eight previous books: The Boo, The Water is Wide, The Great Santini, The Lords of Discipline, The Prince of Tides, Beach Music, My Losing Season, and The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life. He lives in Fripp Island, South Carolina. Photo copyright: David G. Spielman

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8,988 global ratings

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Customers find this book to be an unforgettable reading experience with exquisite prose and vivid characters. Moreover, they appreciate the profound storytelling, with one review noting how it weaves together an intricate tapestry of human emotions.

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Readability Storytelling Writing style Voice

14 customers mention ‘Readability’14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a brilliant and stunning work that provides an unforgettable reading experience, with one customer noting that its economic style makes it compulsive to read.

""The Prince of Tides," written by Pat Conroy, is an absolute masterpiece that weaves together an intricate tapestry of human emotions, family..." Read more

"...and I'm only sorry it took me 30 years to re-discover this wonderful author - I'll be reading his other books as soon as I put this down." Read more

"...Similarly, it’s better than the film. Dysfunctional family in small South Carolina town, riddled with racial and class prejudice...." Read more

"...Yet the way it is written was poetical, lyrical and downright beautiful. I cried all over again and was so sad when I got to the end...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Storytelling’5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's storytelling, with one review noting how it weaves together an intricate tapestry of human emotions, while another highlights how it balances tragedy with hope.

"...Pat Conroy, is an absolute masterpiece that weaves together an intricate tapestry of human emotions, family dynamics, and the enchanting landscape..." Read more

"...This is masterful storytelling and I'm only sorry it took me 30 years to re-discover this wonderful author - I'll be reading his other books as soon..." Read more

"...An interesting relationship with her psychologist also develops...." Read more

"...of the main character is mesmerising and very individual, the story unfolds slowly like a well orchestrated dance. I was enraptured by this one...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Writing style’5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as exquisite, beautiful, and almost lyrical.

"...Pat Conroy's exquisite prose, combined with his keen insight into the complexities of the human psyche, creates an unforgettable reading experience..." Read more

"...but after the first 40 pages I was pulled into Conroy's incredible use of prose, the way he can conjure images of such beauty and inspiration that..." Read more

"...Yet the way it is written was poetical, lyrical and downright beautiful. I cried all over again and was so sad when I got to the end...." Read more

"...He writes so beautifully - almost lyrically, and draws one into the lives of the characters from page 1...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Voice’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the voice of the main character, with one describing it as mesmerizing, and several noting the vivid characters in the book.

"...With its compelling narrative, vivid characters, and poignant exploration of trauma and healing, this novel stands as a testament to Conroy's..." Read more

"I loved this book. It's beautifully written, the voice of the main character is mesmerising and very individual, the story unfolds slowly like a..." Read more

"...Very worthwhile and gripping with fascinating characters." Read more

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Mr. Roland Corbin
A Captivating Journey of Love, Redemption, and Southern Splendor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2023
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"The Prince of Tides," written by Pat Conroy, is an absolute masterpiece that weaves together an intricate tapestry of human emotions, family dynamics, and the enchanting landscape of the South Carolina low country. With its compelling narrative, vivid characters, and poignant exploration of trauma and healing, this novel stands as a testament to Conroy's exceptional storytelling prowess.

From the very first page, Conroy's writing casts a spell, immersing readers in the turbulent lives of the Wingo family. Tom Wingo, our flawed yet endearing narrator, guides us through his poignant and often heartbreaking journey of self-discovery. With his authentic voice and razor-sharp wit, Tom captivates readers, drawing them into his world and forging an instant connection.

The novel's exploration of trauma and dysfunction is both raw and empathetic. Conroy fearlessly delves into the darkest corners of human experience, unraveling the deep scars left by abuse, neglect, and loss. Through the vividly drawn characters of the Wingo family, he exposes the profound impact of these traumas on their lives, peeling back the layers to reveal their vulnerabilities and complexities.

In its entirety, "The Prince of Tides" is a triumph of literary fiction. It is a poignant exploration of the human condition, a testament to the power of love and resilience, and a celebration of the Southern spirit. Pat Conroy's exquisite prose, combined with his keen insight into the complexities of the human psyche, creates an unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

"The Prince of Tides" is not merely a novel; it is a work of art that resonates deeply with its readers. It reminds us of the strength we possess to confront our past, the healing power of compassion, and the transformative potential of love. Pat Conroy's masterpiece is a treasure that should be savored by all who appreciate profound storytelling and the beauty of the human spirit.

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Giovanni SS
Beautifully told.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2024
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I must have read this book about 30 years ago when the film was released. Looking back - the film does not do the book justice.
Initially, I felt the dialogue between the characters seemed a bit clunky, but after the first 40 pages I was pulled into Conroy's incredible use of prose, the way he can conjure images of such beauty and inspiration that it leaves you smiling, laughing and overwhelmed.
The subject matter may trigger those who have experience with toxic family interactions, but I think the saving grace is the way Conroy balances the tragic with hope, the terror with beauty, the tears with laughter. This is masterful storytelling and I'm only sorry it took me 30 years to re-discover this wonderful author - I'll be reading his other books as soon as I put this down.

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Bob
Starters well but a little dragging towards end
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2023
I quite enjoyed the audiobook but I am unlikely to buy any more. The story starts quite well with great characters and engaging sub-plots. About the last third any sense of peril has disappeared and with it, my interest in the characters. After all what can you do with indestructible protagonists. Overall it was entertaining

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Brenda Young
More satisfying than the film.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2013
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The moment I started I recognized “The Great Santini” in a different guise, even though I’d forgotten this book was by the same author. Similarly, it’s better than the film.

Dysfunctional family in small South Carolina town, riddled with racial and class prejudice. Three super kids whose sibling love and mutual support are their only defense against a bullying, opinionated father, and a mother determined to be a martyr, obsessed with appearances and climbing the social ladder, in constant denial, to the point of near destruction of her family. The story focuses on the effects of the family’s traumatic history on the children, now grown to adulthood, and the commitment of one brother to aid the psychological recovery of his famous, talented but suicidal sister. An interesting relationship with her psychologist also develops.

Conroy’s story-weaving and his economic style make for compulsive reading. He has the rare knack of wringing the heart-strings while, at the same time, maintaining a humour that had me chuckling one moment and damp-eyed the next.

My only criticism is his obsession with the ball-game, through every move of which he insists on forcing the reader, blow-by-blow, ad nauseam. These episodes alone sent me “skim-reading” although cut by a third they’d have a valid place in the saga.

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Old Skooler
Wonderful, wonderful read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 May 2014
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I read this book about 25 years ago, and it made me cry then. I remember being so lost in the story that I had to read it while walkimg, cooking etc! Idecided to read it again recentl;y, to see if it was as good as I had remembered,and wasnt disappointed in the least.

The story was pretty depressing when you think about it - suicidal sister, dead sibling, violent upbringing. All good ingredients for a tearful and harrowing read. Yet the way it is written was poetical, lyrical and downright beautiful. I cried all over again and was so sad when I got to the end.

I had to prolong the feeling of being lost in the Deep South, and so halfway through I bought Beach Music by the same author....and thats another story!

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Antoinette 🐝
Rare , Difficult to explain a magnificent story .
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2021
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I read this Stunning Book /story by Pat Conroy years ago , I turn to it time and again.
Each time I discover more …
True it’s shocking yet beautiful, moving deeply breathtaking .
Pat has a gift , his use of place and words .
It’s not an easy read , but one of those stories , a Book ,an author that will hold you spellbound.

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Jill New
Wonderful read - highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2013
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I have just recently discovered Pat Conroy, and have read 3 of his books - Beach House, South of Broad and Price of Tides, which, to my mind is the best of the three, closely followed by Beach House. He writes so beautifully - almost lyrically, and draws one into the lives of the characters from page 1. The landscapes are vivid, and one can almost smell the marshlands mingled with the aromas from the barbecues, and feel the velvety softness of the air. Highly recommended.

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Gianluca Carpiceci
The tragedies of a disfunctional family from the deep south of the US
Reviewed in Italy on 13 January 2017
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You need to approach this book slowly, you need to pace your reading; when I started The Prince of Tides I had just finished reading a pager-turner thriller and I began with the same speed. It did not work, at times I scanned through paragraphs that seemed too slow, then in fact I had to go back and re-read the page from the beginning. And you need to arm yourself with patience, lots of it, as the book is long and some parts overlong and slow (at times I had red spots on my skin after a dozen pages about shrimping....). The lenghty, interminable pages of sheer description (several dedicated to shrimping....argh...) made me dying in slow agony; the pages with dialogues are superb.
The characters are all really involving, with 3-D personalities, though sometimes falling into clichés (for instance, the depiction of the southern rednecks landing in New York for the first time, the way they look at the big apple and their inhabitants); I think Conroy was a better, more subtle observer of the psyche of his characters than of the society they lived in.
The book is a long, painstaking deep-dive into the psyche of the members of a highly dysfunctional family, it is very introspective if not almost psychoanalytical (you could actually say the whole book is a long psychoanalytical session).
I found the ending was a complete anticlimax: after nearly 800 pages of deep family tragedy, turning everything into a happy ending in a few final pages was for me rather shocking.

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Frank Bender
Good read
Reviewed in Spain on 5 March 2022
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A wonderful book, incredible read. It is one of my favourites which I will read again and again.

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chibilee02
Exceeded My Expectations
Reviewed in the United States on 5 August 2016
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When I started Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides I expected to get a good read based on the accolades Conroy’s books have gotten. What I didn’t expect was how much I loved the book. It really took me by surprise how much I got into the story and enjoyed reading the tumultuous, horrible, quirky and loving lives of the Wingo family.

Much of the credit goes to Conroy’s wonderful writing and narration. It’s was interesting how the writing was very poetic and lyrical but still had this casualness which made it easy to read and enjoy. Despite the expansive vocabulary (I’ve never had to look up so many words before), it didn’t bogged down the narrative making it difficult for you to want to continue reading. Conroy managed to eloquently convey the complicated relationships and feelings of the family at the heart of this story without having to make you work for it.

It also helps that the narration was full of self-deprecating and sarcastic humor from the book’s narrator, Tom Wingo. Imagine my surprise when a couple of paragraphs into my reading when Tom busts out some one liners and having some cheeky conversations with his 3 young daughters who all seem to share the same brand of humor as their dad. While Tom’s humor certainly helped make reading the story fun, it also served to reflect how his childhood has affected him. Through his voice, you come to see that he uses his humor to hide, express and deflect his issues stemming from his childhood. It makes Tom a character that is likeable and sympathetic but never one that you pity in spite of discovering the kind of the life he had growing up in Colleton.

Conroy created an interesting family that is at the heart of the story. Through Tom’s eyes you discover a family that’s full of contradictories and pain but has a great capacity for love. Each member of the Wingo family from the parents Henry and Lila to their children, Luke, Savannah and Tom, have their own distinct personalities that oftentimes cause clashes amongst themselves but enables them to understand each other in a way that no one else in their small town can. Their household is a battlefield in of itself and also their haven. As you read through the story, you find yourself often appalled at the behavior of the adults but then something will happen which you begrudgingly feel for them and get a small understanding of what drives them which you end up being like one of their children. You gain a certain love/hate relationship with both Henry and Lila which I suppose is par for the course with many families. Through the Wingo family’s trials and conflicts, Conroy encompassed the best and worst of living in a small Southern town with all the quirks that goes with it.

It was a pleasant surprise to have found a book that went beyond my expectations. Conroy wrote a story full of charismatic characters with a complex family dynamic that was filled with both heartache and love. His intelligent, eloquent and witty writing really made reading the book a joy and thoroughly kept me enthralled in Tom’s narrative. This is the sort of book that gradually pulls you in and quietly goes about its job of engaging you. This was an epic family story that didn’t have the feel of one which reflected the contradictory and complex nature of the story itself.

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Collaroy Beach
Was für ein Buch!
Reviewed in Germany on 17 May 2003
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Wenn man dieses Buch zuendegelesen hat, muß man erstmal tiiieeef durchatmen. Es beschreibt das Leben einer absolut furchtbaren, gestörten Familiengeschichte, ohne jedoch jemals in's Melodramatische abzurutschen. Alle, die es in meinem Bekanntenkreis bereits gelesen haben, pflichten mir bei, daß es eines der traurigsten und schrecklichsten Bücher ist- aber mit Sicherheit auch eines der Schönsten. Ich bin für gewöhnlich alles andere als sentimental, aber hier hatte ich beim Lesen fast ständig zumindest einen Kloß im Hals- und trotzdem konnte ich das Buch bis zur letzten Seite nicht freiwillig aus der Hand legen, so sehr war ich vom Schicksal der Wingos und dem Zusammenhalt der drei Kinder durch Jahrzehnte hindurch gefesselt. Dieses Buch ist wunderbar geschrieben, voller Wärme und bietet eine der außergewöhnlichsten Geschichten, die ich bisher lesen durfte (und ich lese viel!). Ich halte 'Prince of Tides' für eines der ganz großen Bücher und kann es wirklich jedem empfehlen.

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Reviewed in Japan on 15 January 2024
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The Prince Of Tides: by Pat Conroy Paperback – 3 July 2006

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Journey of Love, Redemption, and Southern Splendor

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully told.

4.0 out of 5 stars Starters well but a little dragging towards end

5.0 out of 5 stars More satisfying than the film.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, wonderful read

5.0 out of 5 stars Rare , Difficult to explain a magnificent story .

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read - highly recommended.

Top reviews from other countries

4.0 out of 5 stars The tragedies of a disfunctional family from the deep south of the US

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded My Expectations

5.0 out of 5 stars Was für ein Buch!

5.0 out of 5 stars great===fast

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A Captivating Journey of Love, Redemption, and Southern Splendor

Beautifully told.

Starters well but a little dragging towards end

More satisfying than the film.

Wonderful, wonderful read

Rare , Difficult to explain a magnificent story .

Wonderful read - highly recommended.

The tragedies of a disfunctional family from the deep south of the US

Good read

Exceeded My Expectations

Was für ein Buch!

great===fast