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57 pages 1 hour read

Beach Music

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

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Book Brief

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Pat Conroy

Beach Music

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

800

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1980s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Beach Music by Pat Conroy tells the story of Jack McCall, a cookbook author and travel writer living in Italy with his daughter Leah, who returns to his South Carolina hometown after learning of his mother's leukemia. The novel explores themes of generational trauma, forgiveness, and the impact of the past on the present, set against the backdrop of the American South. The source text addresses death by suicide, sexual violence, domestic abuse, alcohol use disorder, mental illness, and genocide.

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

57,815 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Pat Conroy's Beach Music garners praise for its lyrical prose and rich characterization, capturing emotional complexity and Southern charm. Critics admire its intricate storytelling and deep dive into themes of grief and family. However, some found its length and density overwhelming, leading to a pacing that can feel uneven. Overall, it remains a poignant, evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beach Music?

Readers who enjoy rich, emotional narratives will relish Beach Music by Pat Conroy. Similar to fans of The Prince of Tides (also by Conroy) and The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, these readers appreciate deep family dynamics, scenic settings, and historical layers woven into personal stories.

4.4

57,815 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Jack McCall

A travel writer and cookbook author living in Rome with his daughter Leah; grapples with his past and the relationships he left behind in Waterford, South Carolina.

Jack’s wife who passed away before the main events of the novel; her past and legacy deeply impact the decisions and emotional journeys of the other characters.

Jack’s close friend and key figure in the college subplot; a character of courage and conviction whose actions lead to significant consequences.

Jack’s mother who faces a serious illness, which motivates Jack to reconnect with his roots and family in South Carolina.

Shyla’s parents, both Holocaust survivors, whose relationship with Jack is fraught with tension in the aftermath of her death.

Jack’s brothers, each of whom plays a role in his journey of reconciling with his family, with John Hardin standing out due to his mental health struggles.

Jack’s childhood friends, who play roles in his life as he navigates returning to his hometown, with Ledare as a romantic interest and Capers as an antagonist who ultimately seeks redemption.

Book Details
Pages

800

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1980s

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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