Glory Days and Tragedy
by Therold Prudent
American Book Publishing (2005)
Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (1/06)

Glory Days and Tragedy is the true account of 6 young men who become lost at sea during a routine fishing trip. However, it is much more than that. It is a story of lifelong friendships, loyalty, and of the will to survive. And, it is ultimately the story of how to rebuild your life after tragedy has hit.

Mr. Prudent begins this tale by bringing the reader into his childhood in the St. Lucian town of Gros Islet. It is there that we get to know the author and his friends, and are treated to a small taste of island life. This book is so detailed and clearly written that it is easy to picture the town as you are reading the book. You become immersed in the lives of Mr. Prudent and his friends, which makes it all that much more heartbreaking to read about the tragedy that follows.

The second half of the book focuses on a routine fishing trip taken by 6 young men from the island. It tells the story not only of what happens on the boat, but also the story of what happens to those left behind. You are with the people of the town as they learn the young men are missing, as they attempt a rescue, and as they slowly come to grips with the reality of what must have happened. At the same time, you are with the men on the boat, suffering fear, illness, starvation, thirst, and hope. It is impossible not to mourn the loss of each of the young men as they succumb to the circumstances. It is also impossible not to celebrate when hope no longer seems false and rescue seems imminent.

In the end, this book runs the reader through a gamut of emotions, leaving you optimistic about the chances of the survivors, and the island, to go on with their lives in the wake of such tragedy.

Prudent holds a Master's degree in government and politics, and a graduate certificate in International law and diplomacy from Saint John's University.