PAT CONROY

South of Broad
by Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy's books are classics in the history of American books. They are to be read over and over again for the poetry of reading the life and times of characters. I love, love his beautiful poetry of words in harmony. Yes, I agree with other critics that many of the stories in the book were not very creditable and carried on a bit, but Conroy's words tasted so sweet and delightful. He could have rewritten a phone book and I would have loved his writings. He has a gift of a golden pen and golden mind for creativity and story wrapping, wrapping the life stories of his characters together and away and then bring them back again. Leo the protagonist and his life long and childhood friends were all portrayed as authentic, emotional and interesting loved ones going through a intriguing life of Charleston. I so wanted to be part of their little group, to love and be loved by the most thoughtful people of the south. To be a vanguard of integration on a football team and school yard. To be part of their colorful lives.