A Confederacy of Dunces

by John Kennedy Toole

Review of A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

       This is unfortunately one of only two known novels written by John Kennedy Toole before he took his own life as the age of 31.  It was published posthumously after his mother pestered Walker Percy until he read it.  It subsequently was published with Percy's backing, won the Pulitzer Prize and is one of the best literary works concerning the Big Easy along with The Moviegoer, by Percy, and A Streetcar Named Desire.  I know several readers who find it dull and slow moving but I found it to be a hilarious and sarcastic look at the lower social classes of New Orleans.  The main character, Ignatius G. Reilly is arrogant, grotesque and absolutely rediculous in his disdain of popular culture and obsession with the Middle Ages.  Toole's vivid character descriptions and incredible talent at putting difficult accents and sounds into words on paper make this a highly recommended read.

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole was reviewed by Jeremy

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