A cadet encounters hazing and racism at an elite military academy in this novel from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Prince of Tides. As Will McLean begins his studies at the Carolina Military Institute, the American South is in turmoil over desegregation. An outsider to the harsh authoritarianism of the military, Will survives the school’s notorious freshman hazing, and avoids … notorious freshman hazing, and avoids attention from its fabled and menacing secret society, the Ten.
But when he is asked to mentor the school’s first black student, Will is drawn into the intense racial politics—and the threat of violence—simmering beneath the surface.
Based on Conroy’s own military school experience and featuring his lush prose and richly drawn characters, The Lords of Discipline is a powerful story of a young man’s stand for justice and the friendship, love, and courage he finds along the way.
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As with all Conroy books there are many plot lines in the story. So many, that when they made the movie, they left out the main one! Nevertheless, a writer like Conroy can handle that many stories with his superb prose.
As a graduate of West Point we always wondered why people went to the Citadel to be abused. I still wonder although it is an …
I read this book while a Plebe at West Point, and it really spoke to me. Of course my experience was nowhere near as brutal or unjust as Conroy’s was at The Citadel of the 1960s, but I deeply related to the characters. Conroy’s ability to take the reader to the steamy low country of South Carolina is simply marvelous, and the story in this book is …
One of Conroy’s best, and that is saying a lot!
A beautifully written (as always from this author) and powerful novel. It was the first book by Conroy I read when it first came out, and became an instant favorite. Highly recommended.
Conroy does an excellent job of portraying ambivalence in this book. I grew up at The Citadel during the time he was a cadet there. This book is realistic that I can’t tell where truth ends and fiction begins.
It’s been quite a while since I read it, but I remember I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very realistic and written from the heart. Pat Conroy is/was one of my favorite authors.
The best thing about Conroy is that he turns a great phrase. Regardless of storyline, this man can create great, memorable sentences.
Convoy has a wonderful way with words. His characters are so full and realistic. It was if I could hear them speaking!
I couldn’t put this book down and held my eyes open to finish it at 2am. This is an excellent read if you’re interested in how warriors are built.
Stayed up last night to finish this book, tragically inspirational
I enjoy all of the authors books
He never disappoints!
One of his best books.
Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors. This book was different from any of the others I’ve read by him. The language was a little rough for me, but I had to keep reading to find out what was happening around the corner.
I’m probably partial because I’m such a big fan of Pat Conroy’s books.
Any book by Pat Conroe is worth reading
I love the way Pat Conroy writes, and there is no way a review from me will do any of his books justice. This is the 3rd book of his I’ve read, and I’ve enjoyed each one tremendously. I rush through his books, anxious to find out what the next chapter brings, only to be saddened when I finish and must put the book down. I miss his characters. I …
Love all his books.
Everything he ever wrote is wonderful
A product of the system, Cadet McClain holds true to discipline, studies and ethics unlike those of the early and mid sixties South Carolina. Beautifully written, Pat Conroy takes the reader along Will’s journey through tradition, Huegenot breeding and high society of the south. An immeasurable book of consequence, tradition and staying the course.