Hometown by Tracy Kidder
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder is a master of narrative non-fiction. His real life characters are more interesting than any that could be invented. “Home Town” follows the lives of several citizens of Northampton, MA in the late 1990’s. Published 1999… We cruise the streets with the local cop, Tommy, as he encourages ne’er do wells, sets up drug stings, breaks up domestic disputes. We become acquainted with one of his accomplices in the drug stings – Frankie, and follow his many ups and downs in his attempt to go straight. And we meet the obsessive-compulsive lawyer, Alan, as he hides in his tiny apartment – washing, washing, washing and finally makes progress in dealing with his illness and leading a more “normal” life. There is also, Laura, the single Mom who is trying to start over, enrolled at Smith College and Tommy’s best friend, Rick, against whom he has to testify. Kidder brings these people to life. I feel I personally know each one and wonder where their lives have taken them since 1999.
Northampton MA , a town of 30,000, has many characteristics which make it “feel like home” to many. Downtown has been revived; the homeless are cared for; gays and lesbians are welcomed; Smith College is there…And it has it’s drug dealers, child molesters, mental cases. In the end, I would say the book was mostly about Tommy, the cop. It does give an insider’s view of the small town, but Northampton has many unique features which set it apart from the ordinary “home town”. This book should appeal to anyone who has an interest in people, small towns, and the life of a policeman in such a place.