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A Confederacy of Dunces
405 pages, 1987
fiction
1382 booksWinner of the Pulitzer Prize, A Confederacy of Dunces is an American comic masterpiece. John Kennedy Toole's hero, Ignatius J. Reilly, is huge, obese, fractious, fastidious (eccentric and finicky about cleanliness), a latter-day Gargantua (Gargantua was a giant from Francois Rabelais' satirical novel Gargantua and Pantagruel), a Don Quixote of the French Quarter.
His story bursts with wholly original characters, denizens of New Orleans' lower depths (low socioeconomic status or poverty), incredibly true-to-life dialogue, and the zaniest series of high and low comic adventures (journeying through hardship to achieve a happy ending).
John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces explores the theme of individuality through its main character, Ignatius J. Reilly. He is a unique character who doesn't conform to societal norms. This book encourages readers to embrace their own individuality and not be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Toole uses humor as a powerful tool in his storytelling. The book is filled with hilarious situations and witty dialogues that keep readers engaged. It shows that humor can be a great way to deal with life's challenges and absurdities.
A Confederacy of Dunces gives us a deep look into the complexity of human nature. The characters in the book are flawed and eccentric, showing that everyone has their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. It's a reminder that nobody's perfect and we all have our own unique traits.
The book shows how the environment can shape a person's character. Set in New Orleans, the city's culture and atmosphere play a significant role in shaping the characters and their actions. It's a great reminder to consider how our surroundings influence us.
Despite the many obstacles he faces, Ignatius never gives up. His persistence is a key theme in the book. It encourages readers to keep going, no matter how tough things get. So, if you're facing challenges, take a leaf out of Ignatius's book and keep pushing forward.
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A Confederacy of Dunces is a masterwork of comedy, a unique and timeless vision of human nature that is both hilarious and disturbing.
Walker Percy - American authorA Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel that both educates and entertains. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates humor and insight in literature.
David Eggers - Writer, editorA Confederacy of Dunces is a comic masterpiece filled with unforgettable characters. It's a book that leaves you laughing and thinking long after you've finished reading.
John Waters - Film directorA Confederacy of Dunces is a brilliant and scathing satire that exposes the absurdity of human folly. It's a book that will make you laugh out loud and ponder the human condition.
Ron Charles - Book criticA Confederacy of Dunces is a hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful exploration of human nature. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
Cory Doctorow - Author, blogger
