Frank Conroy was an American author celebrated for his insightful exploration of the human experience. His literary output, encompassing memoirs, novels, short stories, and essays, often delved into the complexities of memory and identity. Conroy's writing style was marked by its directness and introspection, drawing readers into the core of his themes. Through his compelling narratives and his significant role in nurturing emerging writers at the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop, Conroy solidified his place as a notable figure in American letters.
The story of a young man whose existence is transformed by the discovery of his musical talent. Poor, lonely and supported by an eccentric mother, he initially faces the task of growing up on the margins of life. Then, on an out-of-tune piano, his gift is revealed, but it is not without price.
First published in 1967, Stop-Time was immediately recognized as a masterpiece of modern American autobiography, a brilliant portrayal of one boy's passage from childhood to adolescence and beyond. Here is Frank Conroy's wry, sad, beautiful tale of life on the road; of odd jobs and lost friendships, brutal schools and first loves; of a father's early death and a son's exhilarating escape into manhood.