The Accomplice

by Darryl Ponicsan

In this gripping novel, Beef Buddusky, who wanted no more than a one-day job when he entered the Salvation Army in Colorado Springs, finds himself swept up by an obsessive mother with a diabolical plot. Rootless and homesick for a family, he is manipulated into joining what is clearly a deranged plan hatched by the first person in his wanderings to treat him kindly. The time comes when he is unwilling to go further, yet not able to step all the way back. Ginny Wynn, thwarted in her dreams of graceful living, has piled all her twisted emotions on the back of Gordie, her policeman son, who has never found a way to stand up to her. He asserts his manhood and independence by marrying a woman his mother would never approve of, and then tries to keep it secret. Ginny is determined that she will be the only woman in Gordie s life, at whatever cost. The end of the battle for the heart and soul of Ginny s son is only the beginning for Beef, who must find a space to live in between the legal and moral definitions of the word, Accomplice. The portrait of this inarticulate, lonely man making his way toward a personal redemption is both moving and memorable.

293 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Aka Anne Argula

Darryl Ponicsan (pronounced PAHN-i-son; born May 26, 1938) is an American writer. He is best known as the author of the 1971 novel The Last Detail, which was adapted into a 1973 movie starring Jack Nicholson; and for the 1973 novel and screenplay Cinderella Liberty, starring James Caan. Ponicsan writes mystery novels under the pen name Anne Argula.

Reviews

[Captain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book by accident. In a down market guest house in Asia. The locals did not speak English and by the end of the two days they must have thought I was mad - I hadn't laughed so hard in years. The comedy is very dark. Very refreshing. And so alive.

I am surprised the Coen Brothers have not made this into a film.

[TCPils · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could describe the underlying theme of this book in one word, but I think it would require further explanation to get my point across. That word is "Karma". And I don't mean "payback" or "getting even". (You can thank John Lennon for that misguided interpretation) Karma has nothing to do with punishment or rewards for good or bad deeds. Things do not balance out. There are people who do evil their whole lives and always get away with it. And there are those who just can't seem to get a break.

So, just how does this come into play in Darryl Ponicsan's The Accomplice? Well it all comes down to choices. That's the essence of Karma. Your present circumstances are determined by your past actions. The main character, Beef Buddusky, is faced with a number of decisions and makes his choices. But what if he did this instead of that? What if he went left instead of right? What if he said yes instead of no? What if, what if, what if? How did you get to this point in your life? That is your Karma.

This book will make you think!

Ponicsan is also the author of The Last Detail, which is why I picked it up in the first place. I'm glad I did.