Beach Music: A Novel

Reading Pat Conroy is a luxury. Whilst his over descriptive and emotional style may grate on some, I feel that his story telling ability, insights and knowledge are worthy of the time invested in reading Beach Music.The parent/child relationship is examined throughout and we are reminded of the power of parenting and the importance of family and childhood friendships. I found it a journey in contemporary American history as well as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. I found myself moved to tears a couple of times in empathy for the characters. I would recommend Beach Music to anyone who is willing to stay with the story and watch it unfold.

This is one of my absolute favourite books, and always has been. With Pat Conroy's truly exceptional characterization and story builiding, you would think the events listed in this book are true and the characters real people you could bump into if you ever wondered down South. His use of language is exquisite and the cadences of speech and ebb and flow of emotion and plot points are beautifully woven. Read it!

One of my favorite American authors. As always, great, creative writing. The only issue I had with the book was its length. It took a very long time to come to the climax...I think an abridged version would have made me less impatient.

Pat Conroy is an exquisite writer. Reread this book after many years and enjoyed it all over again. He brings his own experiences to his novels. If you like him you must read the biography The Death of Santini.

I purchased this book after reading about it on face book. It was delivered quickly
and was a great read. It's a nice thick book and I found myself reading it at various
times in the day, taking it to appointments to read a few pages. Have enjoyed
reading Beach Music.

I loved everything about this book, beautifully written with a compelling story that taught a lot about tensions during the Vietnam Nam war, in this country. The descriptions in Rome were also terrific.

I had enjoyed this book several years ago and decided to give it another go. What a great decision! Of course there were details I had forgotten. But more than that, life's experiences since reading it earlier gave me a new perspective and connection with the text. I will read it again in a few years:). It's that good.

Was so looking forward to reading this book but, t was just ok. I loved South of Broad and was disappointed in Beach Music. Really dark, dark spots describing in horrific detail events of the holocaust.

Pat Conroy is one of my favorite writers and Beach Music does not disappoint. I have read it twice and each time come away with a different feeling about life and family. It shows how the past effect the future even if we try to ignore it.

Exceptionally written, All characters in this book became your friend or foe. I read this book for my reading enjoyment, it was fantastic. I will read another by this author, its a shame he is no longer with us to write more.

Pat Conroy always writes so beautifully and lovingly about his South Carolina. But who would have thought he could have brought the Holocaust and all it's horrors to life along with the angst of the awful 60s into his descriptions of his favorite locale. Brilliant, heart wrenching writing.

Conroy catches the essence of my generation in this one. He runs the crazy suicide thing to death in most of his books as he does this one however it works once again. This is the 3rd time I've bought this book I keep sharing it with friends who never return it.

Loved the book. Typical Pat Conroy. Full of passion and wonderful descriptions of beautiful places--Charleston and Italy--and crazy people. I would have given it 5 stars for its literary strength but I was swayed from doing so because I found the story so dark and troubled. I often wonder about Conroy's experiences growing up because his writings are filled with sexual abuse and troubled children. From the title, I thought this book was going to be more up beat.

There were some touching moments and some humorous moments, but this story just seemed to drag on and on. This is the first of his books that took me several months to finish. Wishing I had gone with South of Broad.

Pat Conroy is my favorite living author. In my opinion, this is his finest work. This book captures all the emotions and heartache of a real Southern family. Despite the trials, the Southern mantra holds: "Home is where they love you no matter what." A fantastic read.

I could not put this book down. Pat Conroy transported me South Carolina, Italy, and war torn eastern Europe. Conroy's descriptions brought the book to life. Do not be deterred by the length of this book, you will not want it to end.