Johnny on a Pony

The “generation gap” takes on a new meaning with the portrayal of Tony Allessi, the son of Italian immigrants. He functions in today’s world but is attached to the “old world ways” primarily through his close relationship with his first cousin, Aniello “Neil” Allessi, a Mafia captain for whom Tony has done several “favors.” Johnny-on-a-Pony explores Tony’s odyssey through the rigors of male liberation. The novel touches upon the lifestyle issues that confront and uproot the deeply held convictions and conventions of the men of Tony’s generation. Tony is reluctantly proud and supportive of Beth’s career success, his non-Italian wife. However, he’s disillusionrd that their family does not represent the same value structure from the “old world” culture that included unconditional family loyalty and the sacrifice of one’s own needs or interest for the good of the entire family. With pressures of ageing, lack of appeal in the job market, unfulfilled ambitions, dreams deferred, and relationships unconsummated, Tony struggles to maintain himself in the world of today.