The Water Is Wide Audiobook By Pat Conroy cover art

The Water Is Wide

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The Water Is Wide

By: Pat Conroy
Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
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About this listen

“A powerfully moving book . . . You will laugh, you will weep, you will be proud and you will rail.” —Charleston News and Courier

Yamacraw Island was haunting, nearly deserted, and beautiful. Separated from the mainland of South Carolina by a wide tidal river, it was accessible only by boat. But for the handful of families that lived on Yamacraw, America was a world away. For years these families lived proudly from the sea until waste from industry destroyed the oyster beds essential to their very existence. Already poor, they knew they would have to face an uncertain future unless, somehow, they learned a new life. But they needed someone to teach them, and their rundown schoolhouse had no teacher.

The Water Is Wide is Pat Conroy’s extraordinary memoir based on his experience as one of two teachers in a two-room schoolhouse, working with children the world had pretty much forgotten. It was a year that changed his life, and one that introduced a group of poor Black children to a world they did not know existed.

“A hell of a good story.” —The New York Times

“[Pat] Conroy cuts through his experiences with a sharp edge of irony. . . . He brings emotion, writing talent and anger to his story.” —Baltimore Sun

©1972 Pat Conroy (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers
Authors Educators Transportation Thought-Provoking South Carolina
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What listeners say about The Water Is Wide

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FAB

Very well done story Well done history And some great humor Who is this I don't know because I'm waiting for the guy to come pick up What is it

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1 person found this helpful

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This dude can write!

Every Pat Conroy book seems to be just as good as the next. No matter what the subject, I can’t stop listening.

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Outstanding read

Amazing real life story and the experience being on a barrier island and segregation behaviors

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Beautiful descriptions!

Great picture of the problems faced by certain groups of people and the truth behind our education system. Loved this book!

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Conrack was a delight of indelible, self-effacing humor, pathos and genuine love

Conroy’s genius for story telling shone even brighter when the story was his own. Priceless.

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A good Listen on a long ride.

Pat Conroy Books have been a great
Listen on long trips. Always a truly enjoyable read.

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Great story having been to the area!

Great narration! So cool to read the story after having a boat tour of the area and the skipper was so knowledgeable of the history which is what prompted me to purchase the book. So glad I did!

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This story was very moving, humorous, and maddening.

Excellent memoir written by Pat Conroy. The narration of the Audible version was probably the best I have ever heard. I enjoyed getting to know every character and could well imagine what a life altering experience teaching on this small island was for the author. I will definitely be adding more of this prolific author’s books to my “must read” list.

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A powerful look at life of the island peoples.

I have seen the movie several times and truly loved the story. The book, tho it could have used Jon Voight’s narration, did provide a deeper understanding of the people of the island and their attitudes and expectations of daily life and willingness to accept the cards they were dealt.

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Story and performance excellent

I really enjoyed this early work out Pat Conroy. I’m happy that it was made into an audio version. The performance was really well done. He was able to capture all the various characters really well and nuanced.

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