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Felicity
Sebastian and Marion’s infant daughter, whose dependence makes his irresponsibility impossible to dismiss as harmless rebellion.
To be fed, protected, and cared for within a stable home.
The book

At a glance
- Sebastian and Marion Dangerfield
- Infant
- Makes the cost of Sebastian’s neglect concrete
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeFelicity has little agency because she is a baby. Her food, shelter, care, and safety depend on adults who are living with poverty and conflict.
She changes the meaning of Sebastian’s behavior. Avoiding work or spending money on drink is no longer only a private adventure when a child depends on him.
How the book draws them
- InfantHer age makes her entirely dependent on adult care.
- Quiet moral presenceShe does not argue with Sebastian, but her needs judge his choices.
- Domestic realityBaby clothes and household routines resist his fantasy of complete freedom.
- Raised stakesEvery shortage and violent argument threatens someone unable to leave alone.
Felicity leaves the shared household with Marion. The novel provides no separate later fate for her.
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If you like J. P. Donleavy
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