logo

65 pages 2 hours read

Prince of Tides

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Pat Conroy

Prince of Tides

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986
Book Details
Pages

679

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

220,304 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.4

220,304 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

679

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1960s

Publication Year

1986

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.