A Lowcountry Heart

Reflections on a Writing Life

By: Pat Conroy

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Final words and heartfelt remembrances from bestselling author Pat Conroy take center stage in this winning nonfiction collection, supplemented by touching pieces from Conroy’s many friends.

This new volume of Pat Conroy’s nonfiction brings together some of the most charming interviews, magazine articles, speeches, and letters from his long literary career, many of them addressed directly to his readers with his habitual greeting, “Hey, out there.” Ranging across diverse subjects, such as favorite recent reads, the challenge of staying motivated to exercise, and processing the loss of dear friends, Conroy’s eminently memorable pieces offer a unique window into the life of a true titan of Southern writing.

With a beautiful introduction from his widow, novelist Cassandra King, A Lowcountry Heart also honors Conroy’s legacy and the innumerable lives he touched. Finally, the collection turns to remembrances of “The Great Conroy,” as he is lovingly titled by friends, and concludes with a eulogy. The inarguable power of Conroy’s work resonates throughout A Lowcountry Heart, and his influence promises to endure.

This moving tribute is sure to be a cherished keepsake for any true Conroy fan and remain a lasting monument to one of the best-loved masters of contemporary American letters.

Praise for A Lowcountry Heart

“A fascinating look into the mind of one of the South’s greatest authors . . . something to remember him by and cherish for years to come.”—The Clarion-Ledger

“Fans of Conroy . . . will relish the chance to spend more time with him in this glowing valedictory to his life and writing . . . Eloquent, folksy, and sometimes brutally honest.”—Publishers Weekly

“A moving and proper tribute to a true Southern icon.”—The Florida Times-Union

“Elegant essays [that] will not disappoint.”—The Washington Post

“Resplendent . . . As always, his storytelling, word choice and rhythm are gorgeous, almost lyrical.”—USA Today

Critic reviews

“Resplendent . . . As always, [Conroy’s] storytelling, word choice and rhythm are gorgeous, almost lyrical; his descriptions are gloriously unexpected. . . . Fans who have missed his voice will find comfort in knowing that this is distinctively, precisely, willfully the Conroy whose books they loved.”—USA Today

“Elegant . . . A Lowcountry Heart is Pat’s last offering—a victory lap for the legion of readers who bought his books and stood in line to get them signed. It will not disappoint.”—The Washington Post

“A Lowcountry Heart is a fascinating look into the mind of one of the South’s greatest authors; call it a secret glimpse at the person behind the pen with all his foibles and endearing qualities laid bare by his own hand. Funny, thoughtful, breezy, profound, in this posthumous account, he and his widow give readers a great gift: himself, something to remember him by and cherish for years to come.”—The Clarion-Ledger

"Vibrant, charming . . . Fans of Conroy will relish the chance to spend more time with him in this glowing valedictory to his life and writing."—Publishers Weekly

“A moving and proper tribute to a true Southern icon.”—The Florida Times-Union

Loving Everything Conroy

I have enjoyed all the works by this author. This book encapsulates them all and his great life story.

Thank you Conroy

What can I say what can I say. Again you’ve touched my bruised heart again. I can’t thank you enough for the prose you’ve gifted to this world. I love you I love your works. I hope if there is such a place you are seeing all your passed on loved one’s. Listen to or read this book you’ll be doing yourself a favor.

very touching

These snippets into Pat's heart and mind are priceless. You will treasure reading them, as we do everything he penned.

Great Love, Pat Conroy!

Hey up there, Pat Conroy... I send Great Love!

Many years ago (20?) I saw the movie The Prince of Tides and followed it up by reading the book. That was how I discovered the lovliness that is Pat Conroy. Since then I have read all of his books numerous times. He is easily one of my favorite authors. He writes with such lyrical beauty about pain and darkness. He reminds me that I love language; that I love the beauty of words. He reminds me that I am a reader and why I am a reader.

Pat Conroy passed away on 4 March 2015. This death hits hard. Every reader could feel this one -- even if they don't know it yet.

Thankfully Pat's publisher, wife and friends put together some of his blog posts as a gift to his readers -- a gift to me. I owe them a Thank You note!

Scott Brick voices the book with emotion and tenderness... perfect for the words and the man.

Great Love...

I felt as if Pat were still alive and I was reading a current story. Thanks so much. I still can’t believe there will be no more stories. I will continue to re-read all your works. What a treasure you have left us.

Interesting

Well, that was an enlightening read! It’s mostly Pat Conroy’s writings about his life and the novels he wrote. He explains the realities behind his characters and stories. For anyone who has read at least one of his works, this is a very good look at “the rest of the story.”

Pat Conroy was "A Great Love"

Any additional comments?

What a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest authors of modern times. Any fan of Mr. Conroy will be enthralled with this collection.One person who wrote a tribute was one of my favorite Southern writers,, Rick Bragg. It was beautiful, as was everything written by or for Pat.

I don't know what it is about Southern writers but they are exquisite storytellers.

I was truly devastated when I heard Mr. Conroy died last March. The idea of never having a new book of his to enjoy and savor was hard for me. I even had some close family and friends send ME condolences as they knew how much I loved this author. And to make things WORSE, he was working on a new novel at the time of his death.

He was magic.I am so grateful for his body of work which will be mine forever. I haven't the words to describe how much I loved his books.

My personal favorite was Beach Music. It's a shame Audible doesn't have the unabridged copy narrated by Frank Muller. It is absolutely breathtaking and I listen to it every year, as well as The Prince of Tides. Scott Brick always delivers and he did with this volume.I will miss Pat Conroy for the rest of my life.His mastery of words truly touched my soul.


You were a "Great Love", Mr. Conroy.

Inspiring

A new emotion in every chapter. Pat, thank you for sharing your life and stories.

My loss not to have met you

If I had realized what type of impression you were going to make on my life, I would’ve tried to meet you long ago. Thank you for giving me all of the wonderful stories and I will cherish these books all my life.

The man behind the writings

I thoroughly enjoy all his books I have read. It was fascinating to learn about the man who wrote the stories; incredible man, very impressive that he was such a caring human considering the “toxic” family he grew up in. Very touching even more so when one considers all the lives he has touched thru his writings. His books are ones I will listen to more than twice!