Beach Music

A Novel

By: Pat Conroy

Narrated by: Peter MacNicol

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From the contemporary ruins of the American South to the ancient ruins of Rome, and from the unutterable horrors of the Holocaust to the lingering trauma of Vietnam, Beach Music sings with life's pain and glory. Jack McCall, an American expatriate in Rome with his young daughter, is trying to find some peace after his wife's suicide. But his solitude is disturbed by the appearance of his sister-in-law, who begs him to return home. And once there, he finds himself drawn into a painful, intimate search for the one haunting secret in his family's past that can heal his anguished heart.

©1995 Pat Conroy (P)1995 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, a Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

A Great American Author

This rendering of one of Pat Conroy's best works is, hands down, the best listening experience I have enjoyed. It is the only abridged book that I have listened to that compared with most full versions. The story is about love and hate, war and peace, religious bigotry, insanity and clarity, family and loneliness, and one man's journey into discovery and reconciliation.

Pat Conroy is a master story teller and interpreter of the American experience.

Another Conroy Classic

I love Pat Conroy primarily for his ability to craft language so beautifully. The stories are enough to draw me in, but the craft he uses to write the story is what makes me want to read more of his books. Beach Music is no exception. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I can never refrain from comparing Conroy's books to The Prince of Tides, by far his best book. Thus I give it 4 stars.

One of my all time favorite books

I read this book for the first time when I was in high school in 1996-97. I've read it several times, then bought the CDs when it was released as an audiobook and listened to it 6-7 times. I then bought it on Audible and just finished listening to it for the 3rd time on Audible. Pat Conroy is a master storyteller and his imagery is so vivid that you can almost feel the humidity of the South Carolina air as you listen. Peter MacNicol does a FANTASTIC job as the narrator. I actually enjoy the book so much more when I listen to him read it. I adore this book so much and will definitely continue to listen to it from time to time.

My Favorite Audio Book of all time,

Love Love this book, Have never read, first purchase in cassette form, have listened to several times. Was excited to be able to listen to it once more. Peter MacNicol does a fantastic job narrating. Makes the characters come alive, and you know immediately which character is speaking. I would love to see this made into a movie. I love Pat Conroy's work, you feel as if you are in South Carolina with his wonderfully descriptive style.

A Great Book

Pat Conroy never disappoints ... but Beach Music has to be one of his absolute best. The story captures you from the first page traveling seamlessly back and forth in time. It is not until the very end that all of the pieces magically fit in place.

Like all Conroy books, this one deals with serious issues. But what set them apart is the humor that he brings to each situation. I simply could not put this book down.

Peter McNicol's audio was perfect. I should not have been surprised given his talent on Ally McBeil. I would listen to any future book that he records.

I Love This Book!

I read this book 8 years ago and was delighted it was available for a download to listen to. Pat Conroy is a master and the book is pure genious. The narrator had the perfect voice to bring the charactors to life...I enjoyed every minute. I was sorry to see it end and wish that Mr. Conroy would write a sequel to "Beach Music" or another novel....I miss his wonderful books!

Conroy's Greatest Yet!

This has become one of my top five all-time favorites. Pat Conroy is an artist when it comes to dialogue. I didn't want it to end. The bonus is that the story took place in two of our favorite places, Italy and the islands off South Carolina.

Fantastic

This is one of the best books I have read. It's funny, sad, historical, romantic, and brings back memories of my youth growing up in the south. The dialog was excellent and the narrator is superb. I only wish it was unabridged.

Good read, but not Conroy's best

What did you like about this audiobook?

I would recommend any/all of Pat Conroy's books to a friend. His writing is so expressive, I feel like I'm wherever the story is unfolding. As the title says, though, it's not my favorite. I still think that pick goes to "My Losing Season". I tend to listen to non-fiction when traveling with my hubby's, but we both enjoyed this one.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Conroy's descriptions of everything makes the scene come alive. I want to meet every single character in every book. He is magical with his writing. I can close my eyes and smell the ocean when he talks about it. I've never known anyone who loves the ocean as much as conroy.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Nothing--loved Peter mcNichols reading!

beach music

Would you listen to Beach Music again? Why?

Absolutely I would listen to Beach Music again even though i've listened to it 5 times already. Peter MacNicol is a genius. You can actually picture the various characters by the way he changes his voice for each one. My all time favorite book !!!!!!

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

Can't think of a book that even comes close.

What does Peter MacNicol bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was brilliant. I listen to audio books all the time and none of the other readers compare.

If you could rename Beach Music, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change the name

Any additional comments?

Once the download is complete I'm going to listen to it yet again!