Beach Music

A Novel

By: Pat Conroy

Narrated by: Jonathan Marosz

Length: 26 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Pat Conroy is without doubt America's favorite storyteller, a writer who portrays the anguished truth of the human heart and the painful secrets of families in richly lyrical prose and unforgettable narratives.

Now, in Beach Music, he tells of the dark memories that haunt generations, in a story that spans South Carolina and Rome and reaches back into the unutterable terrors of the Holocaust.

Beach Music is about Jack McCall, an American living in Rome with his young daughter, trying to find peace after the recent trauma of his wife's suicide. But his solitude is disturbed by the appearance of his sister-in-law, who begs him to return home, and of two school friends asking for his help in tracking down another classmate who went underground as a Vietnam protester and never resurfaced. These requests launch Jack on a journey that encompasses the past and the present in both Europe and the American South, and that leads him to shocking--and ultimately liberating--truths.

Told with deep feeling and trademark Conroy humor, Beach Music is powerful and compulsively readable. It is another masterpiece in the legendary list of classics that his body of work has already become.

©2009 Pat Conroy (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Astonishing...stunning...the range of passions and subjects that brings life to every page is almost endless." (The Washington Post Book World)

“Reading Pat Conroy is like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel.” (Houston Chronicle)

“Magnificent... Beach Music is clearly Conroy’s best.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

my favorite author

This is like so many stories inside the whole story. It ties up perfectly. I can't say enough. The narrator takes a little while to get used to, but by the end, you'll miss his voice. Also the humor thrown in is so fantastic!

A multidimensional masterpiece

Would you listen to Beach Music again? Why?

I will listen to it again, because it grabs you and won't let go. If it were just the dialog itself it would be enough, but there is so much more!

What other book might you compare Beach Music to and why?

Forest Gump comes to mind as a piece of comparable work and not just because of obvious subject matter, but because of its powerful story telling, and smart dialog.

Who was the most memorable character of Beach Music and why?

Jack, because he has an unapologetic way of honestly speaking the truth and what's on his mind.

Any additional comments?

This book is thought provoking and intelligent. Brings South Carolina to life in so many ways. Makes you long for that "Beach Music"

Great Book...

I love Pat Conroy...Love his books. When I could still read books I this one and loved it. It is tragic and awesome and epic. Beautifully written. Loved the interview Audible did with this writer.
After my first listen this narrator was good, sounds southern but he just talks too fast when the characters are talking to one another. That being said I have criticized narrators before and regretted it. I really appreciate the work they do.
Pat Conroy is timeless and his writing eternal. He will make you laugh and cry and break your very heart. Historically worldwide these things either break you or you perservere. I believe you can enjoy this book.

Nothing But Love- Another Masterpiece

Pat Conroy is a master storyteller who uses the most beautiful prose to lull the reader or listener into the world of the Deep South, and all its charms and tribulations. Jonathan Marosz is a phenomenal narrator, and he reminds me of Kevin Spacey with a Southern drawl. I love listening to Jonathan as his voice is comforting.

Conroy tells the story of a man who has deep ties to a large family in the South, but has moved to Italy with his nine year old daughter when his wife commits suicide. When Jack McCall received the message that his mother was sick with cancer, he didn't believe it. He believed his mother to be a top notch liar, begging for attention. When he finds out that his mother really is ill, he flies back to his little home town in South Carolina and has to deal with his drunken father, his sick mother, and his four 'colourful' brothers.

One of Jack's best high school friends is trying to put together a mini-series about the lives of Jack and his buddies growing up in the south, and about things that happened to the parents of the boys. Jack is hesitant, but as the story progresses we are privy to some deep rooted secrets that haunt Jack and his friends, as well as their families.

Conroy's story telling ability is incomparable. Beach Music is a masterpiece and takes the reader all over the world, from Nazi Germany to Vietnam, to the personal lives of astonishing people. It digs not only into the lives of the incredible people, but the reasons they live their lives in certain ways. I love his prose and this is a book that should be on every reader's list.

5 big stars all around

-Wendi

Captivating!!!

Compelling! The narrator had such a pleasant tone and his appropriate accents were spot on! Hated that it concluded! Would highly recommend!

Most excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. It's a story you live in, and wish it not to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beach Music?

Many memorable moments, but I don't want to give them away.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are many scenes in this story that will bring on tears, or laughter.

Any additional comments?

The excellent narration made this book so memorable. I imagine it was read just as Pat Conroy would have told it, sitting out on the veranda late into the evening.

Excellent

Every part of this book was excellent including the story, the narrator,it was fantastic. The only thing I wish is that you all would stop requiring a certain number of words. Excellent should just be good enough.

Beautifully written

The kind of book that you already look forward to reading again before you've ever finished it.

always exceeds expectations!!!

Would you listen to Beach Music again? Why?

of course ,like watching a good movie you always miss something.

What did you like best about this story?

very emotional for me, touches a lot of different parts of my life.

Which scene was your favorite?

When mr. fox tries to make him understand what him tell ing his story to Shayla did to her.How it affected her making her feel she had lived by mistake.*2 Grandma and Leigh with the turtles.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both!!Personal reasons.

Any additional comments?

READ THIS BOOK !!!

Best Book Ever!

This is the third time I have read this book and every time I cry and laugh all the way through it. If you want to wonderful deep meaningful read try this book!