The Ginger Man is a picaresque novel...picaresque, what the heck does that mean? According to dictionary.com, it means "characteristic of a form of prose fiction, originally developed in Spain, in which the adventures of an engagingly roguish hero are described in a series of usually humorous or satiric episodes that often depict, in realistic detail, the everyday life of the common people."
I have to admit Sebastian's misadventures made my commute very entertaining. Some moments I despised him (especially when he hit Marion, his wife) and there were moments when I rooted for him. He's a scoundrel and a bastard. So, why do I like this bastard?
Sebastian is a man who seeks to be a successful lawyer yet does not want to study for his exams. He wants to be rich but refuses to work towards this goal instead chooses to swindle women.
I'm a huge fan of reality TV shows. Many of these reality TV stars are popular and rich for doing nothing. Actually, if a show depicted Sebastian's shenanigans, it would be a smashing success. However, on paper (or Kindle if you are tech-savvy), he is a bastard.
Well, I propose that Sebastian Dangerfield needs his own show. Do you think that Sebastian would be more sympathetic if he was a reality TV show star?
Sidenote: Thank you, J.P. Donleavy, for this wonderful character and book.
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