Hugh reviewed A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Review of 'A Confederacy of Dunces' on 'Goodreads'
I didn’t enjoy this book and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Paperback, 392 pages
Spanish language
Published July 14, 2011 by Anagrama.
La conjura de los necios
El protagonista de esta novela es uno de los personajes más memorables de la literatura norteamericana: Ignatius Reilly –una mezcla de Oliver Hardy delirante, Don Quijote adiposo y Tomás de Aquino perverso, reunidos en una persona–, que a los treinta años aún vive con su estrafalaria madre, ocupado en escribir una extensa y demoledora denuncia contra nuestro siglo, tan carente de «teología y geometría» como de «decencia y buen gusto»; un alegato desquiciado contra una sociedad desquiciada. Por una inesperada necesidad de dinero, se ve «catapultado en la fiebre de la existencia contemporánea», fiebre a la que Ignatius añadirá unos cuantos grados más.
La conjura de los necios se hizo acreedora al Premio Pulitzer, y en Francia fue galardonada el año de su publicación como «la mejor novela en lengua extranjera».
«Una novela disparatada, bufa, rabelesiana y sorprendente, que rompe con los cauces habituales de la narrativa norteamericana …
El protagonista de esta novela es uno de los personajes más memorables de la literatura norteamericana: Ignatius Reilly –una mezcla de Oliver Hardy delirante, Don Quijote adiposo y Tomás de Aquino perverso, reunidos en una persona–, que a los treinta años aún vive con su estrafalaria madre, ocupado en escribir una extensa y demoledora denuncia contra nuestro siglo, tan carente de «teología y geometría» como de «decencia y buen gusto»; un alegato desquiciado contra una sociedad desquiciada. Por una inesperada necesidad de dinero, se ve «catapultado en la fiebre de la existencia contemporánea», fiebre a la que Ignatius añadirá unos cuantos grados más.
La conjura de los necios se hizo acreedora al Premio Pulitzer, y en Francia fue galardonada el año de su publicación como «la mejor novela en lengua extranjera».
«Una novela disparatada, bufa, rabelesiana y sorprendente, que rompe con los cauces habituales de la narrativa norteamericana actual. Una tragicomedia cósmica, cuya lectura hace alternar la carcajada y la angustia» (El País).
«Irresistiblemente divertida, una comedia épica en la gran tradición de Cervantes y Fielding» (Monroe K. Spears).
«Este libro se ha reseñado en todas partes, y a todos los críticos les ha entusiasmado. Por una vez, todos tenían razón» (Greil Marcus, Rolling Stone).
Scott reviewed A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Review of 'A Confederacy of Dunces' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I laughed often while reading "A Confederacy of Dunces". The absurdity and stupidity of the characters struck a joyful chord with me. I often read a book expecting to find a character or protagonist to cheer for. Not even a third way into the book, I realized every character was absurd, stupid, or both. Yet, despite their apparent stupidity and absurdity, they manage to survive and even progress, somewhat.
My original reason for reading "A Confederacy of Dunces" was because it takes place in New Orleans, LA and I had recently visited NOLA and was interested in reading fiction that takes place in my newest favorite place. While it does take place in NOLA and I recognized the locales mentioned, in the end, I really appreciated the book for its humor and wit.
I laughed often while reading "A Confederacy of Dunces". The absurdity and stupidity of the characters struck a joyful chord with me. I often read a book expecting to find a character or protagonist to cheer for. Not even a third way into the book, I realized every character was absurd, stupid, or both. Yet, despite their apparent stupidity and absurdity, they manage to survive and even progress, somewhat.
My original reason for reading "A Confederacy of Dunces" was because it takes place in New Orleans, LA and I had recently visited NOLA and was interested in reading fiction that takes place in my newest favorite place. While it does take place in NOLA and I recognized the locales mentioned, in the end, I really appreciated the book for its humor and wit.
ASquareClaire reviewed A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Review of 'A Confederacy of Dunces' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
I know I'm supposed to love this book, I just can't. Arrogant, self-important asses irritate me, so I was annoyed throughout the entire book. I live in New Orleans. I know these people (and they don't just live in the South). I don't want to escape into a book that forces me to encounter them even more. Took me two tries (years between) to get through it. I would recommend The Pleasure Of My Company (Steve Martin) over this any day. Similar lead character base, but with redeemable qualities.
I know I'm supposed to love this book, I just can't. Arrogant, self-important asses irritate me, so I was annoyed throughout the entire book. I live in New Orleans. I know these people (and they don't just live in the South). I don't want to escape into a book that forces me to encounter them even more. Took me two tries (years between) to get through it. I would recommend The Pleasure Of My Company (Steve Martin) over this any day. Similar lead character base, but with redeemable qualities.
PedalHoppy reviewed A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Review of 'A Confederacy of Dunces' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Great performance of a great book. People may think the character of Ignatius is a little OTT but I know that guy for reals. Hilarious!
Great performance of a great book. People may think the character of Ignatius is a little OTT but I know that guy for reals. Hilarious!
