Native Tongue (Skink, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Carl Hiaasen's Native Tongue, the second book in the Skink series, follows the further misadventures of former Florida governor, Mel "Skink" Exner, now a reclusive, gun-toting, reptile-obsessed hermit. The novel's central plot revolves around a complex conspiracy involving the development of a toxic pesticide, "Butox," and its devastating effects on the Florida Everglades ecosystem.

The story begins with Skink rescuing a young woman, Mallory, from a group of thugs. Mallory, a resourceful and fiercely independent journalist, is investigating Butox, a pesticide being aggressively pushed by a powerful corporation, "ChemTech," and its manipulative CEO, the sinister and ambitious Roger "Razor" Toomey. Mallory's investigation, which links Butox to a series of strange animal deaths and mysterious illnesses among Everglades residents, puts her in grave danger.

Skink, initially reluctant, becomes involved in Mallory's investigation, driven by his own unique brand of environmental activism and a begrudging respect for Mallory's tenacity. Their unlikely alliance forms the heart of the narrative, bringing together Skink's cynical wit and street smarts with Mallory's journalistic integrity. They are aided, somewhat reluctantly, by Skink's equally eccentric, gun-loving neighbour, the former convict and Vietnam veteran, "Gator" Hamrick.

The investigation uncovers a web of deceit and corruption reaching the highest levels of Florida politics and business. Toomey, it turns out, is willing to employ any means necessary to suppress information about Butox’s harmful effects, even resorting to murder. The trio must outwit Toomey's henchmen, navigate treacherous swamps, and expose the truth while evading the law and staying one step ahead of their powerful enemies.

Throughout the novel, Hiaasen masterfully blends dark humor with environmental advocacy. Native Tongue satirizes corporate greed, political corruption, and the devastating impact of environmental negligence. The Everglades, a character in itself, serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama, highlighting the fragility of its ecosystem and the threat posed by human exploitation. The novel’s overarching theme is the struggle to protect the environment against powerful, self-serving interests.

The characters are vividly drawn, reflecting Hiaasen's talent for creating memorable and quirky individuals. Skink, though flawed and unconventional, acts as an unlikely champion for the environment. Mallory represents the idealistic journalist committed to uncovering the truth. Together, they expose the destructive consequences of unchecked corporate power and the importance of environmental stewardship. The ending, while offering a measure of justice, leaves the reader pondering the ongoing battles against environmental degradation.