With this novel, Pat Conroy takes us into the family life of a fighter pilot. Bull Meecham is the epitome of the Marine officer — as tough a disciplinarian at home as at the base. Rebellion, or even difference of opinion, is not tolerated. Objections are met with the statement “The Great Santini has spoken.” As the oldest child, Ben takes the brunt of his father’s criticism. His attempts to stand up for himself or his mother and sister are contemptuously dismissed. His feelings for his father are a mixture of hate and fear, reluctant pride in his prowess, and unacknowledged love.

The Marine Corps and flying are the most important things in Bull’s life. Next come his image as a tough guy, the Catholic Church, his old buddies, his wife and children. His sons are destined to become Marine pilots, his daughters to provide their husbands (Marine, naturally) with a good home and more fodder for the Corps.

Ben is eighteen and a born athlete. So his father’s fierce drive for a successful son is concentrated on him and nothing less than perfection is considered acceptable — a perfection of which Bull is the sole judge. Ben must learn that in a game, sportsmanship should go by the board when necessary; what matters is to win, regardless of the means.

This is the story of a boy’s determination to be himself, whatever that may be. It is violent, shocking, funny, moving, and overwhelmingly real. From the early pages, with Bull’s wife and children waiting at the airport to welcome the Great Santini back into their midst, to the bittersweet ending, the reader’s interest and emotions are fixed upon the fluctuating fortunes of the Meecham family.