SOUTH OF BROAD

amyb

Senior Insider
Last night I began Pat Conroy's latest Southern tale set in Charleston-SOUTH OF BROAD. My oh my, can that man write! I already know I am going to love this latest batch of familiar mixed up characters he has assembled for this story.I hear Mr Conroy has not been well and I am glad this book is finally available. If we get the big rain from Danny this weekend, you will find me curled up with this long awaitednovel.Amy
 
I put this on hold at the library about 1 1/2 months ago and finally my number came up just before our trip to SBH on November 11th. Since I didn't want to bring a hard cover library book I left it behind and started it upon our return. Since I've read six of his previous books over the years and really liked them all I was anticipating more of the same. And that's what I got, more of the same with little to no differences. I think he's mailed it in on this one. I see his typical flourishes and colorful descriptions but I see them about every 10th page. His obvious lack of originality in theme (sick but colorful families) can usually rest on his use of words. Not this time. His characters are not new nor do they have new and original problems and/or personalities. I recognize the same stuff over and over from his previous writings. I've not stopped reading because of his redundancies because I can wait for the every-so-often descriptive brilliance but I certainly have come close a few times. I am very disappointed.
 
For me, it was like returning to a familiar neighborhood-nothing really knew, but I did care about the characters.
 
Book club I will be attending in December is doing A PIGEON AND A BOY-do you know anything about this one? It is my next book after THE GIRL.........
 
just a little..about a battle in Israel I believe....and carrier pigeons....came out earlier this year..got good reviews from people who bought it here...I still have one copy in stock
 
I agree. I slogged through it but found it tedious....although I did like his descriptions of some familiar settings.
 
I grew up in Charleston about the time this book takes place. Very nostalgic. His geography and descriptions of the intense provincialism of "South of Broad" is right on. Some of the characters are a bit far-fetched though.
South of Broad was a "dirty word" in my world since it implied snobbish exclusive high society. (You were not a real Charlestonian unless you were born into it). Obviously because the area south of Broad Street was the old rich exclusive section of Charleston.
I am eternally greatful my parents chose to live on James Island and eschewed this society....
 
Top