Genre: Novel
Grade: B+
Notable People: Pat Conroy
Title: The Great Santini
Review –A pretty interesting book; early 60’s story of crazed marine fighter pilot and his family which he runs like a marine unit. Conroy writes well and clearly knows his subject, though I got a bit bored with his lengthy ruminations on Catholicism and all things marine. The story is dynamic and very dramatic- a movie waiting to happen- which it was in 1979 with the great Robert Duvall in the role of a lifetime. Jenn had gotten into Pat Conroy’s books (Prince of tides and the ilk) and I bought her a few for Christmas; had no idea he had long ago written this book, which seemed out of character. A good read- but, honestly, go rent the movie if you want the total package.