"Felicia's Journey" is a novel written by British author William Trevor. Set primarily in the English Midlands, the story revolves around an eighteen-year-old Irish girl named Felicia who embarks on a journey to find the father of her unborn child. Along the way, she encounters Joseph Hilditch, a notorious serial killer preying on young women.
The novel is known for its exquisite psychological characterization of the distinct figures that populate rural Ireland and England. It received acclaim and won the Whitbread Prize, a prestigious award for British fiction, in the year of its publication, 1994. Additionally, "Felicia's Journey" was adapted into a film in 1999.
The narrative unfolds as Felicia, abandoned by her boyfriend Johnny Lysaght, hides her pregnancy. Believing Johnny has enlisted in the British army, she travels to England in search of him, hoping to persuade him to help raise their child. During her quest, she crosses paths with Hilditch at a factory, unaware of his sinister nature.
As the story progresses, Felicia's journey takes unexpected turns, and she becomes entangled in Hilditch's web of deceit and violence. The novel explores themes of vulnerability, manipulation, and the dark complexities of human relationships. It culminates in a chilling and thought-provoking conclusion, revealing the disturbing nature of the characters and the intricacies of their interconnected lives.
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