‘HE/<i> SHE</i> ‘?

I was delighted to have you publish a review of my book, “San Miguel Island” (Paperbacks, May 3), and your coverage of the contents was quite good. However, when reviewer Charles Solomon described it as a “depressing guide for anyone planning to visit the island” I felt sure he/she had not really finished the book.

Chapters 9 and 10 are all good news : complete regeneration of the flora and all six species of the pinnipeds (seals etc.) returned to breed on the island. The chapter on excursions out there makes it so tempting and so beautiful we only fear too many visitors may read the book and go straight out there.

No, not depressing.

LOIS ROBERTS, CARMEL