The novel The Prince of Tides intricately weaves the tapestry of the Wingo family's tumultuous history across twenty-seven chapters, bracketed by a prologue and an epilogue. Narrated by Tom Wingo, it delves into the dark and poignant life of his family from Colleton, South Carolina. Through his efforts to aid his twin sister, Savannah, and his conversations with her psychiatrist, Tom embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

The Prologue: A Complex Legacy

The opening scene paints a picture of Tom's conflicted feelings toward his Southern roots and his parents. He reminisces about his childhood, which he describes as a mix of "elegy" and "nightmare," dominated by the natural beauty of the low country and his parents' constant battles. This sets the stage for the unfolding family saga.

Family Crisis in the Present

The story launches with Tom receiving alarming news from his mother, Lila Wingo Newbury, about his sister Savannah's suicide attempt. A renowned poet, Savannah is confined to a psychiatric hospital in New York, prompting Tom to head north to help her. Tom's own life lies in shambles—he grapples with the loss of his brother Luke, a professional and personal crisis, and a faltering marriage to his college sweetheart, Sallie. Despite his dire circumstances, Tom makes his way to New York, where his presence unsettles Savannah, leading her psychiatrist, Susan Lowenstein, to intervene. Instead, Susan asks Tom to recount the Wingo family's complex history to aid Savannah's healing.

Recollections of the Past

As Tom narrates the family's past, he reveals a history marred by their father's violent abuse and their mother's obsession with social status. Yet amidst the turmoil, Tom cherishes memories of serene moments on their father's shrimp boat and magical sunsets and moonrises orchestrated by their mother. The narrative reveals a series of extraordinary events, which Tom insists were common occurrences for their family.

Unveiling a Dark Secret

Among the many tales, one stands out as the most harrowing, reserved for the novel's climax. After the Wingo children graduate high school, three fugitives invade their home, subjecting Savannah, Lila, and Tom to a brutal assault. The situation turns when Luke heroically arrives, unleashing their pet Bengal tiger to dispatch the assailants. Lila's insistence on covering up the incident and pretending it never happened is punctuated by Savannah's first suicide attempt shortly thereafter.

Colorful Family Anecdotes

The novel is rich with episodes that, while sometimes seemingly tangential, deepen the reader's understanding of the Wingo family's dynamics. Tom recounts legendary family stories—such as his grandparents' volatile marriage, his and Savannah’s dramatic birth during a hurricane, and their father’s daring escape from Germany in WWII. Particularly memorable are the tales of his eccentric paternal grandparents. Each Good Friday, Grandfather Amos Wingo carries a heavy cross through town, landing himself in jail, while in later years, he proves his vitality by water-skiing to safeguard his driver’s license. Equally vivid is Grandmother Tolitha, who, after years of adventure and remarriage, returns to Amos, leaving a legacy of humor, like the time she spooked a busybody by suddenly sitting up in a coffin she was testing.

Tragedy Strikes Again

Among the many misfortunes the family faces, the catalyst for Tom and Savannah's recent despair is the death of their brother Luke. Lila’s decision to hand over the family island to her husband, Reese Newbury, results in its sale to the government, pushing Luke into a doomed rebellion against the Atomic Energy Commission. This rebellion ends tragically with Luke's death at the hands of a government agent.

Present-Day Bonding and Resolution

Interwoven with Tom's recollections are glimpses of his current life and...