The Porkchoppers

Ross Thomas

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'The Porkchoppers' by Ross Thomas is a gripping tale of a high stakes labor union election in the early 1970s, showcasing the dirty fight for leadership and the changing era of political campaign tactics. The story revolves around two candidates, 'the beauty and the beast', each with their unique appearance and personalities, vying for the position of president of a major American union. Ross Thomas skillfully weaves a narrative filled with colorful characters, witty dialogues, and a sardonic humor that delves into the behind-the-scenes reality of political chicanery and corruption.

Ross Thomas expertly portrays the intricate web of relationships and power struggles within the union, exploring the links between unions and organized crime while providing a realistic and insightful depiction of high stakes political campaigns. Through his well-informed and realistic rendering of politics, Thomas creates a compelling story that keeps readers engaged with its dramatic twists and vividly depicted characters.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic and well-developed, featuring a mix of political figures and their advisors, each contributing to the story's depth.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and humorous, effectively capturing the complexities of political maneuvering, while vividly bringing characters to life.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows an intense and contentious election for union leadership, highlighting the struggle between old and new political methods and the deep personal rivalries involved.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of 1970s union politics in Washington, D.C., the environment is both gritty and reflective of real historical issues.

Pacing:

The pacing is well-managed, with steady engagement that builds toward a more intense finish, especially near the conclusion.

Notes:

Ross Thomas is known for his witty writing and funny dialogue.

His novels realistically reflect high-stakes politics and campaign strategies.

Thomas creates a large cast of well-defined characters without confusing the reader.

The Porkchoppers focuses on a dirty election for a labor union leadership in the 1970s.

The story contrasts old-school election tactics with modern media strategies.

The protagonist, Donald, faces a serious challenge from his young protege, Sammy Hanks.

Sammy has a volatile personality, often throwing tantrums during stress.

Walter Penry and Associates, working for Donald, specializes in legal yet shady political tactics.

Sammy's campaign seeks help from a notorious political operator linked to Kennedy's 1960 election.

Donald, the union president, struggles with boredom and alcohol problems.

Ross Thomas wrote 25 novels and worked in public relations and politics before becoming a writer.

His novels are often blends of crime thriller and sardonic humor.

The Porkchoppers explores the intersection of unions and organized crime stories.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The novel contains themes of political corruption, substance abuse, and manipulative behaviors.

From The Publisher:

A union boss fights for his job-and his life. "What Elmore Leonard does for crime in the streets, Ross Thomas does for crime in the suites" ( The Village Voice ).

Born to a steelworker but harboring theatrical aspirations, Donald Cubbin grew up tempted by two careers. A Hollywood scout finally notices him, but Cubbin has already taken a job with the local union boss. He's always regretted that decision-especially now. After decades climbing the ranks, Cubbin runs the show as the union's president. An election looms, and his opponent proves to be a dangerously loose cannon. Cubbin made dozens of enemies over the years, and one has just engaged a hired killer. The fight for Cubbin's job starts with muckraking but could end in murder.

1972

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227 pages

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