65 pages • 2 hours read
Pat ConroyPrince of Tides
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, narrated by Tom Wingo, follows the turbulent lives of the Wingo family of Melrose Island, South Carolina, and reveals the deep-seated trauma and abuse they endure. Through therapy sessions with Dr. Susan Lowenstein, Tom confronts his troubled past, intertwining flashbacks and family secrets to seek healing for himself and his sister Savannah, a poet battling severe mental health issues.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy is widely praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of family dynamics. Critics appreciate its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, though some find it overly melodramatic and lengthy. Overall, it resonates for its powerful depiction of personal trauma and resilience, despite pacing issues.
Who Should Read Prince of Tides?
A reader who would enjoy Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy is likely drawn to richly textured family sagas, emotionally charged narratives, and complex characters. Comparable to fans of The Great Santini by Pat Conroy and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, they appreciate Southern literature that explores deep, personal struggles.