South of Broad

More about the book

Pat Conroy returns with a sprawling novel that serves as a love letter to Charleston and lifelong friendship. Set against the lush backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, the story follows Leopold Bloom King, the son of a loving science teacher and a well-known Joyce scholar. After the tragic suicide of his older brother, Leo grapples with the profound impact of loss and seeks connection. He eventually finds solace in a close-knit group of high school seniors, including the glamorous twins Sheba and Trevor Poe, the resourceful Niles and Starla Whitehead, socialite Molly Huger, and her boyfriend Chadworth Rutledge X. Their relationships evolve over two decades, navigating the complexities of the 1960s counterculture to the onset of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The bonds among this diverse group withstand the tests of time, enduring through marriages, unrequited loves, and Charleston's deep-rooted issues of racism and class. However, a final challenge awaits them in San Francisco, one that none of them are prepared for. This novel showcases Conroy's unparalleled passion for life and language, highlighting the enduring nature of friendship amidst life's trials.