I acknowledge that book reviews are a valuable service of a newspaper as professional as the Vineyard Gazette. However, I object to the printing of a photograph of Mr. Smiley with the review on August 1 of Mr. Blanding’s book, The Map Thief. Was the point of the review to examine the character of one who becomes a white collar thief, or to retry Mr. Smiley who has already served his time, hence the mug shot?

Mr. Smiley and his family live and work on this Island. There is a school-aged child involved. Our local community has been protective of this family giving them space and encouragement to rebuild their shattered lives.

Martha’s Vineyard is a small Island that prides itself on respecting the privacy of all its inhabitants, famous or infamous. I hope the Gazette will honor this in the future.

Heather Sommers
Chilmark