Summary

Chapter 20 opens on a flashback of Tony learning that Maria Cattaneo is pregnant with their first child. Although shocked, Tony reacts happily.

In the present, Tony is craving alcohol while reminiscing. The narrator notes that Maria’s “desire to isolate herself from her middle-class lineage had spotted her vision” regarding her decision to stay with Tony (269). Once Tony and Maria got married, they realized they were “shit at absolutely everything except giving [themselves] beautiful children” (270). After experiencing this memory, Tony makes his way to the off-licence to buy beer, where he runs into Tara Duane.

The narrator then describes how Jimmy bought Tony a drink when Tony learned he was going to be a father. Tony expresses confidence that the child will be a boy.

Back in the off-licence, Tara explains to Tony that, now that Georgie has turned up, both Tony and...