“"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him." - Jonathan Swift
This is a story about Ignatius J. Reilly and his (mis)adventures through New Orleans during the 1960s. He is self-absorbed, pompous, odd, condescending, egocentric, lazy, farts shamelessly in public, deluded, a behemoth with "paws", and who, at 30, still lives with his mother. He is repulsive in every way but is also very articulate and well-educated. The reader follows Ignatius as he stumbles from one ridiculous situation after another -- organizing a workers riot, selling hotdogs, etc. He could very well be the biggest literary buffoon ever conceived and yet, you cannot help but love him. Even the supporting characters are also enjoyable, especially the floor-mopping Jones (Whoa!).
There is a lot to be said about this novel as it is without a doubt a work of comedic genius, but I'll just say this -- PICK UP A COPY AND READ IT. It's hilarious!
PS: John Kennedy Toole commited suicide partially perhaps as a result of failing to get this book published. After his death, his mother provided a copy of the manuscript to the great southern classic writer, Walker Percy (The Moviegoer, The Message in a Bottle). The book was published, became a cult classic, and 11 years later, won a Pulitzer. Great story.”
nikki wrote this review Monday, July 16, 2007.
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