The piercing iconic semiautobiographical novel of a domineering father and ambitious son from the 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Prince of Tides Step into the powerhouse life of Bull Meecham. Hes all Marinefighter pilot king of the clouds and absolute ruler of his family. Lillian is his wifebeautiful southernbred with a core of velvet steel. Without her cool head her kids would be in real trouble. Ben is the oldest a born athlete whose best never satisfies the big man. Bens got to stand up even fight back against a father who doesnt give innot to his men not to his wife and certainly not to his son. Bull Meecham is undoubtedly Pat Conroys most explosive charactera man you should hate but a man you will love. Praise for The Great Santini Stinging authenticity . . . a book that wont quit.The Atlanta Journal Pat Conroy has captured a different slice of America in this funny dramatic novel.Richmond NewsLeader Conroy takes aim at our darkest emotions lets the arrow fly and hits the bullseye almost every time.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Robust and vivid . . . full of feeling.Newsday God preserve Pat Conroy.The Boston Globe show more