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DRM's Reviews > The Ginger Man

The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy
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really liked it

I couldn't help but think of the fine British comedy Withnail And I while reading this. Much like the dialogue in that film, Donleavy's witty, loosely constructed vignettes might be a bit disorienting at first bit they grow on you and you find yourself chuckling more and more especially in the more bizarre stream of consciousness moments (kangaroo costumes, public transportation "wardrobe malfunctions"). The other point of reference for me was Tropic Of Cancer as the narrator is also an "anti hero" on uninhibited instinct. However, Sebastian here can come across much nastier as he has a wife and child to provide for (unlike Henry Miller who was all by himself in Paris) and he instead drinks constantly and even beats them pretty early on in the book. Sebastian represents the best and worst of human nature and as such is not always traditionally likable as he is both the hero and villain of the book. But his less than savory adventures are written with the kind of imaginative energy and surprisingly subtle wit that makes you wonder (love him or hate him) what will happen next and keeps you turning the pages. Likely a grower for many readers, but I recommend it highly.
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
August 1, 2008 – Finished Reading
August 14, 2008 – Shelved

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Robert Pocock "Withnail and I" also came to mind while reading The Ginger Man. I didn't know anything about the book before starting to read and was genuinely surprised and impressed. Laugh out loud funny at times.


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