The Water Is Wide

By: Pat Conroy

Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

“A powerfully moving book . . . You will laugh, you will weep, you will be proud and you will rail.” —Charleston News and Courier

Yamacraw Island was haunting, nearly deserted, and beautiful. Separated from the mainland of South Carolina by a wide tidal river, it was accessible only by boat. But for the handful of families that lived on Yamacraw, America was a world away. For years these families lived proudly from the sea until waste from industry destroyed the oyster beds essential to their very existence. Already poor, they knew they would have to face an uncertain future unless, somehow, they learned a new life. But they needed someone to teach them, and their rundown schoolhouse had no teacher.

The Water Is Wide is Pat Conroy’s extraordinary memoir based on his experience as one of two teachers in a two-room schoolhouse, working with children the world had pretty much forgotten. It was a year that changed his life, and one that introduced a group of poor Black children to a world they did not know existed.

“A hell of a good story.” —The New York Times

“[Pat] Conroy cuts through his experiences with a sharp edge of irony. . . . He brings emotion, writing talent and anger to his story.” —Baltimore Sun

©1972 Pat Conroy (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

A good Listen on a long ride.

Pat Conroy Books have been a great
Listen on long trips. Always a truly enjoyable read.

FAB

Very well done story Well done history And some great humor Who is this I don't know because I'm waiting for the guy to come pick up What is it

Outstanding read

Amazing real life story and the experience being on a barrier island and segregation behaviors

Beautiful descriptions!

Great picture of the problems faced by certain groups of people and the truth behind our education system. Loved this book!

Moving story and wonderfully written

This is a wonderful story about the evolution of the south and integration. A wonderful reminder of a tragic past. The narration was exquisite. I’m glad I listened to it as opposed to just reading it.

Honest historical insight.

I enjoyed the down to earth stories in this book. The narrator was excellent in giving each character it’s unique voice. It was a very interesting look into history.

Water is Wide

Just adore Pat Conroy and loved hearing his history of teaching. The narration made it fantastic and very visual. I felt like I was watching a documentary. It was great. Only better is Prince of Tides.

Amazing

My mother recommended this book to me because my son is on his way back to Beaufort for his second time with the USMC. after hearing this book, I understand more about the surroundings of Beaufort. I have even recommended this book to my son. If you values and children, this book will pull your heartstring.

A powerful look at life of the island peoples.

I have seen the movie several times and truly loved the story. The book, tho it could have used Jon Voight’s narration, did provide a deeper understanding of the people of the island and their attitudes and expectations of daily life and willingness to accept the cards they were dealt.

Story and performance excellent

I really enjoyed this early work out Pat Conroy. I’m happy that it was made into an audio version. The performance was really well done. He was able to capture all the various characters really well and nuanced.