Carrying Albert Home

Narrator Adam Verner's natural voice is perfect for an unusual tale about a woman who loves her pet alligator and the man who loves her. After a pants-stealing incident, Homer Hickam, the author's father, issues an ultimatum to Elsie that she choose him or Albert, the alligator given to her as a wedding gift by her ex-boyfriend, Buddy Epsen. Elsie chooses Homer with the caveat that they return Albert to Buddy, who lives a thousand miles away. It's a sweet story of a young marriage rooted in convention and convenience as the Great Depression is just beginning. As such, it's also impacted by the sting of sexism and inequality that was prevalent in the time period. Verner lends the story a down-home charm and a confident cadence. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine