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To say that Alligator  is a character piece rather than a plot-driven novel is probably an understatement  The novel is divided into a number of brief chapters, each of them focussing individually one of seven or eight characters. To tie the characters lives together however, there are obviously a number of minor interweaving plots, one of them involving a Russian gangster that is horrifying enough to keep you reading to see how things turn out - but the real motivating force in the novel is the development and expansion of the characters lives. Without getting overly psychoanalytical, it nevertheless manages to draw out subtle events from the characters lives that have had a profound effect on their outlook and behaviour – often involving the loss of a significant person in their lives, through divorce or bereavement. This kind of detail is applied equally to everyone. There is Frank the hot-dog seller, who is being intimidated by Valentin, a Russian gangster. Also reluctantly mixed u