The Water is Wide
by Pat Conroy

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Book Reviews of The Water is Wide

Book Review: Making a difference
Summary: 5 Stars

This novel is especially appropriate for teachers, educators, and students who aspire to make a difference in the world through teaching. This book revolves around themes of social change, specifically the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement where attitudes of the heart lagged behind newly instituted laws. This book is about a young, idealistic, teacher who comes of age in a harsh, prejudiced environment. He fights for justice and change in a culture that does not want to change, that fears change.

The tiny, lush island of Yamacraw lies twenty miles off the coast of South Carolina. Populated by black people who depend on the sea and their farms for their livelihoods, the island has practically been forgotten by the mainland. The white powers that govern the island neglect the needs of the Yamacraw people and thus perpetuate the poverty, drunkenness, illiteracy, and hopelessness that consume the islanders. It is this environment and situation in which Pat Conroy enters in 1969. He becomes appalled at the lack of education the children have received from the inefficient and uncaring educational system. He exposes his lovable class to the world they are cut off from and thus becomes the bridge that brings ideas to their young minds-- minds that have no idea what state or country they live in. Everyday, Conroy crosses the treacherous waters between the island and the mainland to bring his kids hope and the education they rightfully deserve. However, it is not nature he must overcome to educate these kids, but the monstrous forces of prejudice, inefficient educational bureaucracy, and institutional racism.

This is the kind of novel that gets you fired up about the ills and wrongs of society and makes you want to change the world. It is definitely a must read for aspiring educators and teachers. I loved this book. Conroy tells his story poignantly and insightfully. Plus, the children are a hoot!

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