Search - South of Broad

It actually saddens me that I'll probably never have a friend like these friends were. Sometimes when I'm reading a book I read reviews other people have written about it. One review I read claimed she couldn't understand why they were friends when they hated each other so much - but that simply isn't true. They loved each other to the core, but their dialogue is heavy with sarcasm. That reader was just confused.

The story deals very well with sexism, racism, sexual orientation-ism, and classism. This is the first time I've read a novel dealing with racism that didn't sound forced or like a made-for-TV script, which was refreshing.

As a long-time Conroy fan, I can't give this book anything less than four stars for the exquisite prose; however, I felt that the characters and situations were contrived. It was as if he had listed the worst things that can possibly happen to people (specifically children) and built a plot around them. The Great Santini remains my favorite Conroy book with its poignant autobiographical scenes. After waiting so long for this novel, I had hoped for more substance, but it is a well-written tribute to his love of Charleston, and his writing is breath-taking.

A fascinating story-well told for the most part- I did wonder why the characters, who are such 'good' friends put up with the fighting that goes on between them, whenever they get together. Would have liked some more on Toad and his wife-when did things go bad? Would also have liked more about them during the years between High School and 20 years later-but all in all a good book.

Picked this book for our bookclub and everyone enjoyed the book and a lively discussion was had by all. We felt the prose in the beginning was well written then the author got in a hurry and the writting became rather average. The characters were interesting and the culture of Charleston was very informative. We especially enjoyed the charactoer of Toad. Highly recommend the book.

Good summer read. I usually stay away from Pat Conroy books as i perceive them to be long-winded and slightly depressive. this had some trademark Southern Conroy but the story moved and kept me hooked. Yes, it was a bit fluffy but I enjoyed the characters and the story.

I loved this book! One empathizes with all the characters, good & bad. It was the kind of story that you were sorry to see end.