Lisa Moore's Alligator (House of Anansi) has been described as "North Atlantic Gothic." Winner of the regional Commonwealth Writer's Prize and a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the vividly written novel takes us into the gritty contemporary world of St. John's, Newfoundland, with a cast of unforgettable characters struggling to make their way in life.
They include Colleen, a rebellious teen fascinated with alligators; her aunt, Madeleine, an aging filmmaker who fears that she won't be able to complete her ambitious epic; Frank, a shy young man who ekes out a living as a hot dog vendor; and Valentin, an intimidating Russian drug dealer with a penchant for violence. In the course of the novel, their lives intersect in unexpected ways, as each character grapples with inner demons and external pressures.
This Between the Covers podcast is read by Alison Woolridge.
Episode 1: The novel begins when 17-year-old Colleen visits her filmmaker aunt, Madeleine.
Episode 2: We meet Frank, who shies away from danger though he is dragged into it nonetheless.
Episode 3: Colleen is caught destroying forest machinery in a bid to preserve the endangered pine marten.
Episode 4: Madeleine is desperate to finish her epic film in the face of a life-threatening illness.
Episode 5: Beverly tries to deal with her daughter Colleen's vandalism but feels her own life is unravelling.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you're interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Book List.
