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A confederacy of dunces
I felt the same way after reading this novel as I did after watching the movie "Little Miss Sunshine." Both are critically acclaimed, both won awards, and both were (are?) marketed as comedies...and both left me feeling like I was somehow tricked into spending my time on them. Also, both are really more like tragic character studies with a few funny scenes thrown in to keep you from falling into a depressive stupor as the characters' lives spiral downward.I came to read this novel after hearing so much about how hilarious it is. For sure, the narrative, and in particular, I.J. Reilly's character hooked me into wanting to read more. But gut-busting-funny it was not. For one, the main character is an extremely odious and dis-likable person that just made me want to punch something every time he opened his mouth. Secondly, all the supporting characters are just as tragic and fairly dis-likable themselves (except maybe Jones or Angelo, who are merely pathetic). I guess you could consider it a mark of writing genius that such an attention-getting story was crafted from such horrible people, although I suppose its success may depend largely on readers who enjoy others' misfortunes?In any case, there isn't much plot to speak of. This novel is more like a study of people's lives, and follows several characters around on their various misadventures, and how their lives all connect at some point. If you're looking for a fast-paced or action-driven story, this isn't it. The characters themselves are completely fascinating, and it's worth reading, if for no other reason than to get into the world of some truly bizarre and train-wreck-like people. I felt like the ending was abbreviated, but it's possible the author had intended to write more episodes in I.J. Reilly's life at some point.Overall, I gave this book three stars mainly for false advertising. It's actually a pretty tragic novel, and I wasn't really prepared for a bit of melancholy right before bed. Also, I really disliked the characters, and it's hard to enjoy a book when you hate what you're reading. And while it was not particularly explicit, it was rather vulgar and suggestive at parts, and that can be a turn-off for anyone who leans toward more tasteful material. Worth reading once, if you have a strong stomach.
A confederacy of dunces
I saw a review trashing this book, calling it a sedative. When I read it a few weeks ago, I found it amusing here and there most of the way. But I was not deeply impressed, most of the way. The obstacle, for me, was that Ignatius Reilly's behavior was too absurd to identify with. He could not be real to me.At some point, late in the book, I permitted Toole to impose his universe on mine and it all became Theater of the Absurd (which does not work unless one yields to the playwright). Then, the book became hysterically funny. I am a school bus driver and was up in Golden Gate Canyon (northwest of Denver) alone for the better part of seven hours. Toole's book was my companion. There is a scene in the book, the last scene with Dr. Talc. It took me about half an hour to read a simple paragraph in that scene because I was laughing so hard, I had to keep putting the book down. There was a single sentence which brought on three separate paroxysms of laughter, doubling me over. I had to work my diaphragm with my fists to force air into my lungs. Two hours later, I went back and read that paragraph and it started all over again.
A confederacy of dunces
I gave this book four stars only because I felt that, while it's considered a modern classic, the writing lost some tension in places. The ending was also a bit over-simplified, but actually its simplicity makes for a charming, romantic spin on a book that would otherwise be a scatching satire of the working-class overweight man-child who still lives at home (and has an axe to grind about everything and everyone).This book has a reputation for being funny, and that it definitely is, however, probably the most salient feature of this book is John Kennedy Toole's mastery over dialouge. From the "vagran" African-American porter Jones who works at the Night of Joy to crazy, insane, deluded protagonist Ignatius, to commie sex-positive lecturer-in-training Mryna Minkoff ("the musky minx"), Toole hits these voices pitch perfect every time.If you are a fan of Tom Robbins and his masterful dialogue and surrealistic satires and adventures, you will probably enjoy this book.
A confederacy of dunces
I started reading this book and could not put it down. The story is captivating and the characters are compelling, original and, of course, hilarious! An absolute scream. I practically wet myself with delirious laughter!I am going to buy a copy of this book for all of my friends this coming holiday. Laughter is the best medicine and CoD delivers them by the truckload.I particularly loved Toole's depictions of: morbidly obese sneaky misanthropic dishonest middle-aged misfits unable to function in society; women as uneducated gold-diggers, bullied into submissive, subservient roles by their sons or employers; African Americans as foul-mouthed, lazy, viscious and scheming malcontents; Hispanics as spineless and clueless; old people as surly and senile; and of course, homosexuals as prancing foppish leather queens.Man alive! I just can't decide what's best about this book: the parade of cultural stereotypes or the chronicle of a hero who has turned his life into a train wreck. They're both great! This is good old-fashioned American humor at its best. I think we can all agree on that -- Maury and Jerry aren't living on thousand acre estates for nothing. Am I right? Huh!? C'mon - don't leave me hanging!It's a shame we'll see no more quality writing from this author. The Pulitzer was hardly enough! A Nobel Prize would scarcely do justice to this wonderful and timeless contribution to English literature. Confederacy of Dunces should be mandatory reading for all students, everywhere. At each and every grade level. There should be degree programs offered at the Masters and PhD level focusing solely on developing a greater comprehension of this tome, this Rosetta Stone of human behavior.A gospel, really. The foundation of a new religion, that we could devote our lives to. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and L. Ron were hacks! We could all memorize quotes and passages from CoD that would be relevant to particular aspects of our lives that would guide us in our daily living and bolster us when times got tough. We could petition our state legislatures to change their license plate slogans to "What Would Ignatius Do?" or simply "WWID?"Buy this book! You won't be disappointed! I'd give it 10 stars if I could. And if you wouldn't, yourself, it's probably because you're humorless.
A confederacy of dunces
This book is incredibly written, and it's hard not to appreciate its clever dialogue, interesting characters and crazy story. The protagonist is Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30-year-old man who lives with his mother in New Orleans. Ignatius basically wastes time and takes advantage of his mother all while constantly complaining that he has been mistreated by others. Ignatius manages to get into all sorts of complicated situations, from getting arrested to selling hot dogs to working at the Levi company. The whole story is a fantastical masterpiece and you have to marvel at the author's creativity.That said, I wasn't as engaged in this book as I thought I would be, and I think it's because it's difficult to sympathize with almost any of the characters. They all have good qualities, but sometimes I found myself getting annoyed at their irritating foibles and habits. It's a funny story, but when you're not invested in the people involved it's tough to care about what happens to them.
A confederacy of dunces
This is one of the best written, funniest books I have ever read. I have read it twice. The first time I loved it, the second time I loved it more.