false 310612 0802130208 9780802130204 25460 3535 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255572502m/310612.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/310612.A_Confederacy_of_Dunces 3049 John Kennedy Toole 29311 4098 0 2009-03-20T09:30:42-07:00 527918 315 2009-03-20T09:30:42-07:00 Ignatius J. Reilly is as nutty as squirrel poo. 0 2009-03-17T23:21:54-07:00 518063 207 2009-03-17T23:21:54-07:00 0 2009-03-17T17:28:16-07:00 516865 129 2009-03-17T17:28:16-07:00 Yeah you right! 0 2009-03-15T21:54:05-07:00 508501 58 2009-03-15T21:54:05-07:00 4 25 false Fri Mar 20 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Sun Sep 30 10:01:23 -0700 2007 Fri Mar 20 15:50:56 -0700 2009
Fortuna evidently was smiling upon my being when I endeavored to undertake the consumption of this philosophical masterpiece. How amusing to stumble upon a comic homage to Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy, an homage that not only mirrors its source of inspiration in both content and structure, but moreover employs said source as a plot device of the most humorous kind. Certainly it was no mere accident; indeed it must have been a result of afflatus imparted by the goddess herself in collaboration with the muses Thalia and Calliope. Oh, what genius has the world lost with the tragic demise of John Kennedy Toole?

Through his quixotic anti-hero, Ignatius J. Reilly, Toole is disposed to explore the ideas of predestination and game theory. Is Rielly a misunderstood genius, surrounded by intellectual inferiors and thus a victim of their nescience? Or is it his own distorted reality, paranoid delusions, and ineptitude that is the impetus of his misfortune? It is for you, dear reader, to decide.

I found the descriptions of New Orleans particularly diverting. Such a cast of eccentric and delightful characters could only be found within the borders of the Crescent City (or Stars Hollow). Like Proust's madeleine, the wonderful references to NOLA summoned to my mind memories of a happier, pre-Katrina time in one of my favorite municipalities.

I must say that the numerous references to various and sundry bodily emissions offended my delicate feminine sensibilities somewhat. Perhaps this was the plan of some devious alpha-male, to thus corrupt the otherwise sheltered and virginal innocence of my mentality. As Ignatius said, "This subject deserves the attention of a profound thinker who has a certain perspective on the world's cultural development."

(If any perceptive film producers are interested in buying the movie rights to this Review, I might here make a note about the filming of this critique. A song performed by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band would provide excellent background accompaniment. Perhaps the actress playing your humble reviewer could be seated at a table at the Cafe du Monde, enjoying a cafe au lait and plate of beignets.)]]>