"The Great Santini" is a novel by Pat Conroy published in 1976. It tells the story of a military family, focusing on the complex relationship between a strict, domineering father, Bull Meecham, and his sensitive son, Ben. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, the impact of military life, and the struggle for personal identity. The book is semi-autobiographical, drawing from Conroy's own experiences growing up in a military household. It was later adapted into a film in 1979, starring Robert Duvall as Bull Meecham. The story highlights the challenges of balancing love and discipline within a family.