65 pages • 2 hours read
Prince of Tides
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
679
Novel • Fiction
South Carolina • 1960s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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
220,304 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
220,304 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
679
Novel • Fiction
South Carolina • 1960s
1986
Adult
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.