Stone Motel: Memoirs of a Cajun Boy

In the summers of the early 1970s, Morris Ardoin and his siblings ran their family's roadside motel in Cajun Louisiana. They played canasta to stay cool and avoid their violent, troubled father. Morris's father had reserved his most ferocious attacks for him due to his inability to accept a gay or broken son. He was aided in his struggle by the love and encouragement of a selfless and generous grandmother.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2023
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

In the sweltering summers of the early 1970s, Morris Ardoin and his siblings found themselves immersed in the vibrant and bustling bayou town of Cajun Louisiana, where their family operated a roadside motel. The oppressive heat, accompanied by relentless mosquitos, drove them to seek innovative ways to stay cool and avoid the troubles that often accompanied their youthful escapades. While fulfilling their responsibilities, such as attending to a diverse range of customers, cleaning motel rooms, and retrieving discarded chicken bones and used condoms from beneath the beds, they sought solace in playing canasta, an ancient game cherished by the elderly. This pastime provided them with a respite from the scorching sun and allowed them to evade the tumultuous presence of their violent and troubled father.

Morris, despite his efforts to engage with his siblings and the children residing in the motel's kitchenette apartments, struggled to maintain a distance from his father. A man haunted by the horrors he had endured as a child and later as a soldier, his father harbored deep-seated resentment towards his gay or perceived "broken" son. This drove his father to embark on a relentless mission to "fix" Morris, while Morris, determined to resist and survive intact, found solace in the unwavering love and encouragement of his grandmother.

Morris's grandmother, a selfless and generous soul, infused his story with warmth, wisdom, and a delightful sense of humor. She played a pivotal role in supporting his struggle, offering him solace during times of adversity. The narrative also unfolds with suspense, moments of awkward romance, naughty French lessons, and an insightful glimpse into a unique and unspoiled pocket of American culture.

Through their experiences, Morris and his siblings learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of family. The roadside motel became a sanctuary, a place where they could escape the challenges of their everyday lives and find solace in the bonds they shared. The memories of those summers, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the occasional adventure, remain etched in their hearts, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth and the enduring strength of family ties.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496849533