A Confederacy of Dunces

Rating:
Summary: This is a book that will make you smile.
Review: Of all the novels I have read, I consider John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces to be one of the best (and certainly the funniest). I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, laughing myself silly at times throughout this zany story. The situations that Ignatius put himself (and others) in were classic and unpredictable. In my opinion, it's very easy to understand why this novel won a Pulitzer Prize. The character descriptions were brilliant; I could picture someone I knew for every character in the story. Toole's prose made me feel as if I were standing next to Ignatius during his adventures, and I could almost feel the frustration and anger of those who became his "victims." Every character's appearance and personality was described in specific details, as well as the surrounding scenery. The humor used was ingenious, both in content and timing, even at the risk of being stereotypical. My favorite part of the story came when Ignatius forged the letter to Abelman's Dry Goods. I think it reminded me of that mischievous side of myself, and perhaps suggesting that I myself might do such an act. The contents of the letter was enough to keep me laughing , but then I imagined the look on the faces of Abelman, Levy, and Gonzalez upon reading this letter themselves, and that fueled the fire! Yes, it can be said that I got carried away with this book. On the negative side of the book, I thought that some of the letters written by Ignatius were alittle long winded and not relevant to the story. Perhaps Toole thought it was important to reinforce this character's mind set to the reader. However, it seemed to me that this was accomplished by the colorful description of behavior throughout the story. In addition, I think that it's safe to say that in this day and age of being "politically correct," this novel probably wouldn't currently win a Pulitzer. I base that on some of the stereotypical character and language depiction, especially with Jones. This novel was placed at a time when racial segregation was still prevalent (which probably explains why it wasn't an issue to the Pulitzer committee). However, even if a current author made a racial degrading reference to a character set during that period, it probably would not acceptable to the current standards. I really enjoyed taking this adventure with Ignatius. I feel the story was well written, painting a vivid picture in my mind about who exactly we (as the reader) were dealing with. I only wish the ending had turned out with more substance. I felt myself wondering how Ignatius was going to get out of the forgery mess, or if his mother was going to marry Claude, or even if Levy Shorts would be successful. Ironically, I feel this way about Toole himself. It disappoints me that an author with such a gift for writing, would tragically ends his life at such a young age. This inspired me to do some research (see attached), but information on him was very scarce. The biggest tragedy of all (I think), is that we will never enjoy any new works from this talented artist, nor will we know where Ignatius is today. However, this doesn't stop me from keeping a sharp lookout for a large goofy-looking guy, wearing a green hunting cap.

Rating:
Summary: A Confederacy of Dunces is a fun romp through the absurd.
Review: This book certainly is not for everyone. However, if you like absurd characters who act absurdly in absurd situations AND you like to read about them in accounts that are full of sometimes twisted but always hysterical humor, then this may be the book for you. Join Ignatius, his mother, and a troupe of other strange folks and learn about stomach valves, philosophy, and the meaning of life. This book is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through the absurd.

Rating:
Summary: I didn't want it to end.
Review: I've already worn out a copy of this book, and I'm writing this review as I prepare to purchase another copy. Don't let this book pass you by! If you have even the slightest sense of humor, you'll be disappointed when the end finally comes. However, Ignatius will make you laugh out loud several times before the end finally comes. See how long it takes you to wear out your first copy... Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Greatest American novel of the 20th century
Review: I have read this book seventeen times and I'm not a slow learner - I just loved it that much. The main character, Ignatius Reilly, struggles with a modern world that has lost its bearings as he clings to the "theology and geometry" of the Middle Ages. This book will make you laugh out loud with its biting sarcasm and outlandish characters

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Summary: A winner that didn't last. Only a mothers love remained
Review: The story behind the book is almost better than the work. But make no mistake, the work will endure.

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Summary: Ignatius The Insipid
Review: Maybe it was the fact that I have read so many positive reviews about this book throughout the years or the Pulitzer prize that this bood won that made me want to read "A Confederacy of Dunces". I had high hopes for the book but soon found out that I was duped. I realize this book is meant to be a satire but the characters are so over the top that it is impossible to like any of the characters. When I started reading this book the opening passages described Ignatius as someone that was a little slower than the rest of us. He had no endearing qualities because he is at once complaining about his valve and at the same time eating like a pig.
The story arc isn't complete either. I finished this book with a completely unsatisfied and empty feeling. You somewhat know where Ignatius ends up but there is a character introduced in the middle of the book (Dr. Talc) that serves no real purpose other than to take up space. He is introduced and there is some backstory about Ignatius and Myrna but then Dr. Talc is slowly written out of the story with no real ending for the character and no story arc written for him. It felt as if 40 pages or so were just wasted when some backstory could have been explained in just a few pages without introducing a character that is superfluous.
I would like to continue writing about how this book could have been better but I would rather just read a book that is more well written that doesn't feel like it needs to use a vocabulary that most of society doesn't use. If I had written that book I don't know if I would want to write any more books after this one for the thought of being "lashed about the shoulders" as Ignatius likes to write about some of his acquaintances.
I am giving this book three stars because there was potential but it is far from being humerous.

Rating:
Summary: Depraved, nasty, disgusting.... and a complete masterpiece!
Review: I'm sure 99% of the reviews here will rave about the humor of the book, so further testimonial regarding the comedic greatness of this book probably isn't necessary. What else is truly special about this book, however, is its mastery of American written english, and its portrayal of New Orleans spoken accents of the early sixties. As you read the book, you can hear the people speak and see the city in perfect, rich, and colorful detail. Perhaps the best part is Toole's absolute ability to describe situations, objects, and people with perhaps the richest, most creative use of simile I have have ever seen from an American writer. It's a shame that much of the language and subsequent humor will be lost to those who aren't American (although I believe quirky Brits will cry with laughter when they read this). I am on to my second reading of the book, and the second time through is even better than the first. And each chapter, paragraph, sentence, and word is so complete, I can set the book down for a month and come back to it, and it seems as if I had just finished reading the previous chapter yesterday. And of course I'm laughing all the while. And the best part of it all? The ending will not dissapoint the reader. I half expected this book to end weakly, but it doesn't. I will never forget this book, and most people I know feel the same way. Too bad Toole killed himself. Genious gone before it was even discovered, truly tragic. But in reading the book, this fact only leads the reader to appreciate and be thankful that something of Toole was left for us to enjoy and admire. I can only imagine that he must have been an incredibly amazing individual, and funny as hell! Read it, this is a must for anyone, casual or avid reader.

Rating:
Summary: What a loathsome, unpleasant bunch of idiots.
Review: I've heard so much about this book and was able to pick up a copy for 50 cents at a used book sale. I'm glad that's all I spent; nothing about it engaged me. Ignatius spends so much time playing the victim, he reminds me of people I know in real life and can't stand. His mother's no better, clucking and fussing over him when she should be kicking him out of the house. I stopped about a third of the way through chapter 2, they irritated me so much.

Rating:
Summary: A literary trip worth taking
Review: This novel's brawl of a plot revolves around one of the most memorable characters in 20th century American fiction: the grossly rotund, incredibly verbose and most heavily egocentric braggart Ignatius Reilly. An oafish loser, in some respects, Reilly also exercises a most beautiful mind and lyrical tongue. Revolving around Reilly is a cast of freakish characters that are also defined by their weaknesses and unfulfilled dreams. The setting is New Orleans. And this literary trip into a grim and desperate part of the Big Easy is definitely worth taking.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Comic Novel ... ever?
Review:
"A Confederacy of Dunces" is not for all tastes, but it is perhaps the funniest book I have ever read. It is a novel that, for me, periodically prompts literally uncontrollable laughter, and which grows even funnier with each reading.

The plot, which serves primarily as a frame supporting a series of astonishingly inventive and humorous set-pieces, centers around the conflicted sexual and intellectual life of Ignatius Reilly, a self-important, bloated medieval scholar living in 1960s New Orleans, and his unsuccessful attempts (at his mother's urging) to find a job suitable to a man of his unique skills. Each job -- highlights are his stints as an employee of a near-bankrupt pants company and a hot dog salesman -- descends into a disaster of epic proportions. Ignatius lives with his mother on Constantinople Street in Uptown New Orleans, where he spends long hours obsessing about his digestive difficulties and and dutifully reporting his travails in a series of Big Chief tablets, which contain what he believes to be his definitive examination of the collapse of civilization in the modern age.

The success of the comedy is based in large part upon Toole's ability to induce the reader to accept the world he creates on its own terms. And what a world it is. Each character is, as in every farce, in some sense a caricature, but a fully realized one. Each is ridiculous, but is not treated with contempt by the author; each is a failure but emerges from the depths of the comedic darkness to achieve a certain tragic nobility. Even Ignatius, a character who, if actually encountered, would be more offensive (although not evil) than could be imagined, emerges as a twisted Don Quixote, admirably fighting the windmills of modernity with his boorish behavior. Toole also captures the lunacy of life in New Orleans as it is rarely shown in novels and films of the shallow, stereotypical "Big Easy" variety: its innumerable quirks, ethnic groups, neighborhoods and accents are depicted in lush detail with only slight exaggeration. Any person visiting New Orleans after reading "A Confederacy of Dunces" cannot help but smile when he or she first catches sight of a Lucky Dog stand in the French Quarter.

I base the qualification in my introduction that "Confederacy" is not for all tastes upon the reactions of some to whom I have recommended it. It is a book that one either loves or hates, and it is certainly hated by some. It has flaws, to be sure: certain scenes go on far too long, some diversions are unsuccessful, and Toole is unable to sustain the comic fervor through to the ending, which falls somewhat flat. However, I know of no comedic novel that can compete toe to toe with the scenes that hit the mark. And there are more of those than I can count. At the risk of being obnoxious, I need to recommend another wonderful comic novel -- a recent discovery I made on Amazon -- The Losers' Club by Richard Perez. Another novel people seem to love or hate, but exceptional in its own twisted, soulful way.