106 pages • 3 hours read
A Confederacy of Dunces
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Book Brief
405
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans, Louisiana • 1960s
1980
Adult
18+ years
800L
Super Short Summary
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole follows the comedic misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30-year-old educated but indolent man who lives with his mother in New Orleans in the early 1960s. After a car accident forces him to find a job, Ignatius encounters various eccentric characters including a policeman, a barmaid, and an orphan, leading to a series of farcical events and a failed workers' revolt. The book includes instances of racism, police misconduct, and sexually explicit content.
Humorous
Gritty
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
296,553 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces is praised for its vibrant satire and unforgettable protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. Critics highlight its humor and perceptive social commentary but note the eccentric characters may alienate some readers. Despite divided opinions on its pacing, it remains a unique and influential work in modern American literature.
Who Should Read A Confederacy of Dunces?
Fans of satirical comedy and eccentric characters will enjoy A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. Similar to Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, readers who appreciate absurdity, dark humor, and a blend of wit and social critique will find this novel engaging.
296,553 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Irene Reilly
Irene Reilly
Ignatius's mother, a widow navigating her way out of her son's shadow, who begins to assert her own identity and pursue personal interests.
Burma Jones
Burma Jones
An African American man who works at a low-paying bar job and becomes a key figure in addressing the novel’s social and racial tensions through his clever and subtle actions.
405
Novel • Fiction
New Orleans, Louisiana • 1960s
1980
Adult
18+ years
800L
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