The Prince of Tides (1986) by Pat Conroy is a sweeping Southern family drama that follows the turbulent lives of the Wingos of South Carolina. The novel is narrated by Tom Wingo, a former football coach, as he recounts his traumatic childhood—marked by violence, abuse, and deep secrets—to his sister Savannah’s psychiatrist after her latest suicide attempt.
The story shifts between Tom’s present-day struggles and flashbacks to his upbringing in the Lowcountry, exploring themes of family bonds, trauma, and resilience. Conroy’s lush prose vividly captures the Southern landscape while delving into dark, emotional depths. The book was later adapted into a 1991 film starring Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand.
