Conroy writes with exceptional poetry and describes the South with such passion. He creates characters with immense intensity and life, regardless of how flawed they are. Prince of Tides is not a joyful book. While there are uplifting scenes, there is a pervading sadness. The topics of suicide, abuse and despair bestow a melancholy that cannot be redeemed regardless of how many inspiring anecdotes Conroy includes, though there is an underlying hope that timidly presents itself. I found Prince of Tides to be Conroy's darkest book, but as always, I appreciate his extraordinary writing. He narrates Tom Wingo well, exploring the history of his troubled family. Between his abusive father, his delusional and infuriating mother, his unfortunate brother, his suicidal sister and the tragic things that happen to them, it is no wonder Tom is a deeply unhappy and conflicted man. The history of the Wingo family is splendidly detailed and instilled with a magic that only Conroy can convey.