Editor's Note: The Great Santini: A Novel was published by Dial Press Trade Paperbook in March 2002, paperbook, 480 pages.

This book is a work of fiction, but so much of it rings true.

Reviews:

"Robust and vivid... full of feeling." — Newsday

"Stinging authenticity... a book that won't quit." — Atlanta Journal

"A tender, raucous and often hilarious book." — Booklist "Conroy has captured a different slice of America in this funny, dramatic novel." -- Richmond News -Leader

From Amazon.com's Product Description:

Step into the powerhouse life of Bull Meecham. He's all Marine — fighter pilot, king of the clouds, and absolute ruler of his family. Lillian is his wife — beautiful, southern-bred, with a core of velvet steel.

Without her cool head, her kids would be in real trouble. Ben is the oldest, a born athlete whose best never satisfies the big man. Ben's got to stand up, even fight back, against a father who doesn't give in— not to his men, not to his wife, and certainly not to his son. Bull Meecham is undoubtedly Pat Conroy's most explosive character — a man you should hate, but a man you will love.

Order this book now on Amazon.com by clicking on this link: The Great Santini: A Novel