The Big Bounce (novel)

The Big Bounce is a 1969 crime novel by American author Elmore Leonard. It was Leonard's sixth novel and is considered one of his early works, demonstrating elements that would later become hallmarks of his distinctive writing style, including sharp dialogue, morally ambiguous characters, and a focus on the criminal underworld.

The story revolves around Jack Ryan, a drifter and former Vietnam War veteran who finds himself working as a handyman at a resort in Michigan. He gets embroiled in a scheme involving Catherine (Nancy) Barker, a beautiful and manipulative young woman, and her attempt to rob a wealthy and corrupt businessman, Ray Ritchie. Ryan, initially drawn to Nancy and the promise of easy money, becomes increasingly entangled in the plot, facing moral dilemmas and dangerous consequences.

The novel explores themes of deception, greed, and the allure of quick riches. It showcases Leonard's talent for creating realistic and complex characters, even within a relatively straightforward plot. The setting, a rural Michigan resort community, adds a layer of atmosphere and contributes to the overall sense of unease and potential violence.

The Big Bounce has been adapted into film twice. The first adaptation was a 1969 film starring Ryan O'Neal and Leigh Taylor-Young. The second was a 2004 film starring Owen Wilson and Morgan Freeman. Both film adaptations received generally negative reviews, with critics often citing a failure to capture the spirit and nuances of Leonard's original novel.