Plot Summary

The Ginger Man

J. P. Donleavy
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The Ginger Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1955

Book Brief

J. P. Donleavy

The Ginger Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1955
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1940s

Publication Year

1955

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Ginger Man by J.P. Donleavy follows the humorous and outrageous misadventures of Sebastian Dangerfield, an irresponsible American law student at Trinity College in post-war Dublin. He neglects his studies, engages in heavy drinking and womanizing, and evades his numerous debts, straining his tumultuous relationship with his wife Marion and their infant daughter. This novel contains portrayals of physical violence and domestic abuse.

Gritty

Humorous

Dark

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.5

11,959 ratings

57%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Ginger Man by J. P. Donleavy is celebrated for its humorous and rich prose, bringing the flawed yet charismatic character, Sebastian Dangerfield, to life. Critical views highlight the novel's wit and inventive style; however, its controversial themes and the protagonist's morally dubious actions have drawn criticism. Overall, it remains a provocative and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ginger Man?

A reader who enjoys irreverent humor, picaresque adventures, and complex antiheroes would likely appreciate The Ginger Man by J. P. Donleavy. Fans of works like James Joyce's Ulysses or Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer will find Donleavy's novel similarly engaging for its bold style and unconventional protagonist.

3.5

11,959 ratings

57%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1940s

Publication Year

1955

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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