A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole is a Pulitzer Prize-winning comic masterpiece that blends absurdity, satire, and Southern charm in a singularly unforgettable way. Set in 1960s New Orleans, the novel follows Ignatius J. Reilly—an eccentric, overeducated, and outrageously opinionated man—as he lumbers through life in protest of modern society. Dressed in a flannel nightshirt and beret, Ignatius sees himself as a misunderstood genius, all while causing havoc in every job and relationship he touches.
From failed stints in a pants factory to his misadventures with hot dog vending, Ignatius’s journey is both hilariously grotesque and oddly philosophical. Alongside him is a cast of bizarre yet richly drawn characters, including his long-suffering mother and his intellectual sparring partner, Myrna Minkoff. First published posthumously, the novel gained acclaim for its vivid portrayal of New Orleans and its biting, brilliant humour.
A Confederacy of Dunces is a must-read for lovers of satirical fiction, cult classics, and literary oddballs who turn the world upside down.
