Frank Conroy’s literary journey is marked by a remarkable debut with his autobiography Stop-Time, alongside notable ventures into fiction. He significantly shaped the literary landscape through his roles as an educator, public servant, and director of a premier writing program in the United States. His life's story is a tale of resilience, marked by new beginnings and personal triumphs over adversity.

Early Life and Troubled Childhood

Born in New York City, Frank Conroy navigated a tumultuous upbringing between the urban sprawl of Manhattan and the wilds of Florida. His early years were marred by the instability of a mentally ill father, whose chilling presence is captured in the harrowing tale “Midair,” where a young boy is dangled from a window by his disturbed father. Conroy’s mother was emotionally distant, while his stepfather lacked responsibility, leading to a life of frequent relocations. His childhood, vividly chronicled in Stop-Time, included weekends at a state hospital where his parents worked and escapades with feral dogs in the Florida woods.

Passions and Education

Conroy found solace and salvation in his twin passions: literature and jazz. These interests not only provided an escape but also propelled him academically, enabling him to excel in college entrance exams and gain admission to Haverford College in Pennsylvania. His love for these enriching pursuits steered him away from the fate of his sister, who later suffered a nervous breakdown.

Artistic Awakening and New Beginnings

John Haegert observes that the theme of fresh starts pervades both Conroy’s life and works. Despite his unhappy childhood, Conroy learned the art of survival through reinvention. His journey to England at the age of eighteen marked the beginning of his profound appreciation for art—a pivotal turning point. Attending Haverford College was another new chapter, and post-graduation, he embraced yet another by marrying Patty Monroe Ferguson and moving to New York City, diving into a vibrant new world.

Establishing a Literary Presence

In New York, Conroy was absorbed into Patty’s influential social circles, becoming a recognized figure in literary and journalistic communities long before his first book was published. His early promise was acknowledged through grants from the Rockefeller Foundation and the National Foundation for the Arts and Humanities, following the release of Stop-Time in 1967. Despite critical acclaim, the book sold only seven thousand copies, leaving Conroy at a crossroads as the 1960s drew to a close.

Challenges and New Directions

By the end of the 1960s, Conroy was disheartened by his lack of financial stability and the dissolution of his marriage in 1970, despite his devotion to his children. His life took a surprising turn in 1971 when he relocated to Nantucket, Massachusetts. While some in New York speculated he had withdrawn from society, in reality, Conroy was embarking on another fresh start. He remarried, built a home, played piano in a jazz group, and unearthed a love for teaching, all while his writings continued to appear in national publications.

Success and Personal Fulfillment

The 1980s brought Conroy both personal joy and career achievements, including the birth of a son and his tenure as director of the literature program at the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities from 1981 to 1987. He published Midair in 1985, a collection of stories crafted over fifteen years, which received favorable reviews, albeit not equaling the acclaim for Stop-Time.

Climbing to Academic Heights

Conroy's appointment as director of the prestigious University of Iowa Writers' Workshop signified the peak of his academic career. Yet, he remained resolved to produce a novel, ultimately writing Body and Soul . This work, set against the backdrop of...