Homer Hickam, the author, upon hearing tall tales about his mother’s alligator, Albert; eventually sits down and captures them in writing. Labeled a novel, based upon near truth; the unreliability of memories and the way stories become stretched and exaggerated over time blend to tell his family history. He tells of Elsie Hickam, his mother, who “loved Albert more than just about anything in the whole world”, but Elsie’s new husband, Homer sr, finally issues an ultimatum: “‘Me or that alligator.'” After thinking it over, Elsie reluctantly agrees to give up her beloved pet, returning him to his native Florida. The young couple’s road trip from West Virginia to Florida involves more adventures than most people have in a lifetime – meeting John Steinbeck, witnessing industrial rebellions, joining the coast guard, starring in a movie, and experiencing a hurricane – are condensed into one epic journey.” It explores the ups and downs of love and marriage, and celebrating uniqueness and the real effort it takes to fall in love and make it stick.
As a book, it a fun read. As a insight into love and devotion it a good read. It reminds one of the effort it takes to really get to know your life’s partner even after you commit to each other. And of the multiple dimensions of a relationship be they emotional, physical, social or otherwise. Not a deep philosophical solution to the world’s problems but an enjoyable palette cleanser between more serious fare. Just right for a road trip.
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