Defending the ‘Tides’

I sincerely hope that readers of “The Book Review” will not be influenced by your criticism of “The Prince of Tides.” It is an absolutely wonderful novel--Richard Eder’s chief complaint seems to be that it is not “real” enough. Pat Conroy is a gifted novelist; his prose brings gasps of joy and the story is compelling. He gives meaning to words like honor and compassion.

If Eder had given the book the attention it merits, he would not have stated that the children banished the rapist by releasing wasps--they were black widow spiders.

“The Prince of Tides” is a marvel.

JUDITH V. MAZUR

Manhattan Beach