I have heard mixed reviews and feelings about this book. It seems to be one of those that people either love or hate. I myself found it to be really quite enjoyable and humorous. It seems one of the complaints about this book is that some see it as a glorification of whining though I myself did not perceive it that way. I do not think Toole was making an attempt to glorify whining but rather making a parody of that increasing aspect within modern American culture.

I do not find that any of the characters he created appear in a truly flattering light, and few if any can be seen as sympathetic, I think that the irony of the story, is that this cast of characters each of whom are creators of their own problems, while viewing themselves as some sort of victim of someone else or society at large, in indeed the Confederacy of Dunces. They are to be laughed at, and not glorified.

One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the way in which Toole was able to make all these connections between several different little plots and weave all the characters together, tying everything up at the end.

I love this work, it is one of my favorites. It also has a happy ending with some real meaning, in my opinion.

Yes, I though the ending of it, was like a modern day version of the fairy "happily ever after" in thier own way things worked out for everyone. It was clelver how it was all wrapped up.

It may not be 'glorification of whining' (great description btw) but it is a very humorous satire of the special kind of mental state where you believe in yourself even though your achievements have nothing to show for your 'perceived' abilities. The whole book is a brilliant commentary about how society needs proof of your abilities in the form of good social standing and more before they take you seriously in your attempt to influence them (for good reason?). We believe it too, else the book wouldn't be that funny.

This book truly is a modern, New Orleans style Don Quixote. Also, of note is the no holds barred depiction of a mother and son relationship that is brutally frank but also a bit delusional. The main character does not appear to have a clue that he is threatened by his mother's growing self-awareness, confidence and independence.