BOOK REVIEW: "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

While I watch comedy stuff a lot, it's been a while since I read something that's truly funny. Here's a novel that is outrageously hilarious. 

I read the book wholly with a smile on my face, and sometimes occasionally suppressing a laugh that silently hurt my tummy.

Ironically, there's nothing comedic about the tragic fate of the author: he committed suicide because no publisher agreed to publish this book. 

This satirical masterpiece is Toole's most famous work. It was published posthumously in 1980 and even won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year later.

Toole wrote only two novels: "The Neon Bible" he wrote at the young age of just 16, but he considered it too immature for publication while alive. It wasn't until 1989, after the success of "A Confederacy of Dunces," that "The Neon Bible" finally saw the light of day.

So, without spoiling any specific plot points, here are some of the general salient points of Toole's novel "A Confederacy of Dunces":

Characters:

Ignatius J. Reilly: The protagonist, Ignatius, is a quirky, overweight, and self-proclaimed intellectual who sees himself as above the "conformity" of modern society. He's hilarious but frustrating, clinging to outdated philosophies and causing chaos wherever he goes.

Supporting Cast: The story is enriched by a colorful cast of characters, from Ignatius's exasperated mother to the eccentric denizens of New Orleans' French Quarter. Each interaction fuels the comedic situations.

Plot and Comedy:

Misadventures: The plot revolves around Ignatius's misadventures as he attempts to avoid work and hold onto his self-perceived superiority. His grand pronouncements and outlandish actions lead to a series of absurd situations.

Satire: The humor comes from Ignatius's disconnect with reality and his scathing critiques (often misplaced) of modern society. It's a satire of conformity, intellectualism, and the changing South.

Themes:

Outsider vs. Society: A central theme is the clash between the individual and societal expectations. Ignatius embodies the outsider, clinging to outdated ideas and resisting conformity.

The Value of Education (or lack thereof): Ignatius considers himself highly educated but misinterprets and misapplies knowledge. The novel can be seen as a critique of shallow intellectualism.

The Allure of the Past:  Ignatius idealizes the past, particularly the Medieval period, reflecting a sense of nostalgia and a rejection of the perceived emptiness of modern life.

Legacy:

Critical Acclaim (eventually): Though initially rejected, the novel won the Pulitzer Prize posthumously and is considered a comedic masterpiece.

Darker Side:  There's debate about the novel.  While funny, some see Ignatius as a cautionary tale of intellectual arrogance and social alienation.