South of Broad
South of Broad
Book Brief
514
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Historical FictionCharleston, South Carolina • 1960s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
South of Broad by Pat Conroy narrates the life of Leopold Bloom King from childhood to middle age in Charleston, South Carolina, exploring themes of friendship, family, love, and loss. The story follows Leo's relationships with a diverse group of close friends and tackles the impact of their unfolding secrets and personal challenges, ultimately highlighting the complexities of human connection and resilience. This book includes topics of suicide, sexual assault, and AIDS.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
53,502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pat Conroy's South of Broad is lauded for its evocative depiction of Charleston and its rich, complex characters. Critics praise Conroy's lyrical prose and compelling narrative. However, some find the plot meandering and the character development inconsistent. Overall, the novel is a poignant exploration of friendship, community, and personal redemption.
Who Should Read South of Broad?
A reader who would relish South of Broad by Pat Conroy appreciates richly detailed narratives about Southern life, complex family dynamics, and enduring friendships. Fans of The Prince of Tides by the same author or The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will find similar emotional depth and evocative settings.
53,502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
South of Broad is Pat Conroy's first novel in 14 years following his prior bestseller, Beach Music, published in 1995.
The book is set in Charleston, South Carolina, which is also Pat Conroy's hometown and a source of inspiration for several of his works.
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The title South of Broad refers to a historic and wealthy area in Charleston, known for its picturesque streets and historic antebellum houses.
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514
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Historical FictionCharleston, South Carolina • 1960s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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