The Great Santini (novel)
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| The Great Santini | |
| Author | Pat Conroy |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Autobiographical novel |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Publication date | 1976 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 471 pp (2006 paperback edition) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-553-38155-5 (2006 paperback edition) |
The Great Santini is a novel written by Pat Conroy and published in 1976.
[edit] Plot summary
The Great Santini tells the story of hard-nosed Marine fighter pilot Lt. Col. Wilbur "Bull" Meecham, who calls himself "The Great Santini," and the family he runs with a strict hand. It follows the Meecham family as they move to and struggle to fit into the Marine town of Ravanel, South Carolina.
The novel explores main character Ben Meecham's growth into manhood, his experiences playing basketball for his high school, as well as his friendship with a Jewish boy. The novel exposes the love-hate relationship between Ben and his father, and the lengths Ben goes to in an effort to win his father's acceptance and love.
The novel is based on Conroy's own childhood experiences growing up in a military family. Conroy's own father, Donald Conroy, was the inspiration for "Bull" Meecham. Many of the events in the book seem to echo Conroy's real-life experiences.
[edit] Film Adaptation
The novel was made into a film of the same name in 1979, starring Robert Duvall in the title role.
