“In every southerner, beneath the veneer of clichés lies a much deeper motherlode of cliché. But even cliché is overlaid with enormous power when a child is involved.”

American author, late 20th century

Pat Conroy was an American author of the late 20th century, known for his novels and memoirs. His books include The Water Is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, The Prince of Tides, and The Great Santini. Several of his works were adapted for film, and The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini received Oscar nominations. He is regarded as a leading figure in late 20th century American Southern literature, writing about the region and its people with a strong sense of place.