Donald Patrick Conroy, known as Pat Conroy, was an acclaimed American author born on October 26, 1945. Conroy's literature is a vibrant exploration of themes such as family, duty, and the human spirit, deeply embedded within the Southern United States' culture and identity. His notable works include The Water is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, The Prince of Tides, and The Great Santini, all of which have been adapted into films, with the latter two receiving Oscar nominations. Conroy's storytelling is characterized by its rich narrative depth and emotional intensity, earning him recognition as a leading figure in late-20th-century Southern literature.

Before his literary career took flight, Conroy's upbringing in a rigorously disciplined military household and his education at the Citadel, the military college of South Carolina, provided a unique backdrop that deeply influenced his writing. He briefly worked as a schoolteacher, an experience he detailed in his memoir The Water Is Wide, before dedicating himself to writing full-time. Conroy's life, marked by the exploration of personal and collective identity, resonates throughout his work, offering readers a profound understanding of the complexities of life in the South.

Pat Conroy passed away on March 4, 2016, at his home on Fripp Island, South Carolina, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old. Conroy's legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to American literature and the lasting impact of his vivid storytelling.