On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Here is where we start our discussion of this one. The Trail first read this book way back in 2011, our first year of existence as a group. New members, new thoughts. No spoilers in this thread, please. This seems to be a novel that is either hated or beloved by readers, so that makes for good discussion alone.

Did anyone else draw a parallel between Ignatius Reilly and Falstaff? The characters are still very fresh in my mind, and the whole time I was reading the book I kept thinking of Shakespeare's larger-than-life character.

I attempted reading this a number of times in the past, only making it about a quarter of the way through. I started yesterday, and I am appreciating the story more. I am looking forward to digging deeper in with characters as I make way through New Orleans.

I have started this book so many times .....

Full disclosure: I am a hater of this one. I tried twice and failed, then a third time reading a few chapters and skimming the rest. I loathe the character of Ignatius, I don't find him funny or endearing, his mother is almost as bad, and I think it does the city of New Orleans an injustice. Getting that off my chest, I do know that many others (Walker Percy, for one) consider this to be a masterpiece and the author a genius. Each to his own. I will not poison this discussion with negative remarks, but will follow along with interest.

Diane, thanks for the honesty. I think your loathing will add to the discussion. Looking forward to discussing.

Diane, "ditto" I say.

Diane wrote: "Full disclosure: I am a hater of this one. I tried twice and failed, then a third time reading a few chapters and skimming the rest. I loathe the character of Ignatius, I don't find him funny or en..."

I'm in your camp, Diane ... as is my entire F2F book club. Not a single one of us liked it. My favorite comment of the evening: "THIS is a Pulitzer winner? Was the committee on drugs?"

Diane wrote: "Full disclosure: I am a hater of this one. I tried twice and failed, then a third time reading a few chapters and skimming the rest. I loathe the character of Ignatius, I don't find him funny or en..."
Diane, I read this about 3 yrs ago and did find it amusing. I think Toole nailed the local dialect. However, I get your feelings about it. There is a life-size bronze statue of Ignatius under the clock at the former Holmes Dept Store on the 800 block of Canal in NOLA which I saw last Fall. The author was a suicide in 1969 at age 31. The book won the 1981 Pulitzer for Lit. Like you, I'm not really sure why the book was pushed on the scene by Walker Percy.

Now I will add to the controversy with a sexist comment that I know is an unfair generalization. I think this book is commonly rated much higher by men than women. I have no idea why, except that men also generally think that The Three Stooges films are hilarious, while women just don't get it. I fully expect to be castigated for this comment, maybe fairly so, but please remember this is just my opinion, and I am being honest about how I feel.

Diane wrote: "Now I will add to the controversy with a sexist comment that I know is an unfair generalization. I think this book is commonly rated much higher by men than women. I have no idea why, except that m..."

No need to apologize, Diane. I don't think that it is sexist to say a book appeals to one gender more than another. I grew up loving western novels, but I know they hold greater appeal for men than women, but I don't think sexism is involved.

There is a reason why both Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were created. I read one but not the other. It isn't difficult to guess which I preferred and which my sister preferred.

And I do like "A Confederacy of Dunces." I hope to reread it and join the discussion. It is a lot more entertaining than The Three Stooges.

Diane wrote: "Now I will add to the controversy with a sexist comment that I know is an unfair generalization. I think this book is commonly rated much higher by men than women. I have no idea why, except that m..."

I hated this book too, though :) I guess I'm an exception to the rule.

Yeah, ditto to your comments about the book over all. I thought the characters were sort of cartoonish, yet in an unfunny way, and it was like a sit com gone wrong for the entirety of the novel. Sorry but I have a really scathing review of the book. I do understand people like it, so to each their own. It really didn't resonate with me, though.

And, the original and classic black and white Three Stooges series I do love for their sheer silliness and over-the-top slapstick humor, but that poor excuse for a film that was released a few years ago should have won the Razzie for worst picture, easily.

I think we're on our way to becoming a thread of common grudges. ;)
Personally, I enjoyed the plot and the play on words, but found the humor at the Captain Underpants level (just add Boethus). So mixed review overall.
Maybe the gendered reaction has to do with different societal expectations(?). I don't see a lot of female literary audiences, in general, feeling comfortable to embrace the comedy of the valve ...
Same time, not everything is gendered. I grew up on large doses of the Hardy Boys, Louis L'Amour, Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson.

We need to hear from people who love this book, and why. Maybe the members reading this for the first time will be forthcoming soon.

I am 28 pages in, and enjoying, but I am not seeing a work of genius. I can see how the humor can get old, but most curious now to see what is so off putting about it. Enjoying hearing about the dislike for it. I'm wondering if Toole even wanted this to ever be published, or if it was just something he wrote for sheer pleasure. Guess I need to look up some research on that if no one else can answer that.

Enjoy this work - I have read it two or three times (review on GR of course). The genius comes IHMO from his use of irony and the implicit criticism of the society of consummation as well as the hilarious caricatures.

Nell wrote: "I think we're on our way to becoming a thread of common grudges. ;)
Personally, I enjoyed the plot and the play on words, but found the humor at the Captain Underpants level (just add Boethus). So ..."

I didn't mean that the genres I mentioned were totally gendered and that they held no appeal for any women readers, but that on the whole they appealed more to one than the other. And I don't see anything wrong with that.

I don't see anything wrong with that either, Howard.

Now I'm going to have to read it. I actually bought myself a copy of this back in Dec. so now it's just looking at me from the shelf...

Most of my friends who have read this love it, and carry on about how hilarious it is- but they also usually mention that it is "totally a dude's book".

Diane wrote: "Full disclosure: I am a hater of this one. I tried twice and failed, then a third time reading a few chapters and skimming the rest. I loathe the character of Ignatius, I don't find him funny or en..."

Diane wrote: "Here is where we start our discussion of this one. The Trail first read this book way back in 2011, our first year of existence as a group. New members, new thoughts. No spoilers in this thread, pl..."
I have savored this book three times. It makes me laugh out loud. I tried to encourage my husband to read it. Only got about 20 pages in and threw it against a wall. Either love it or hate it. It is my all time favorite book.

I'm thrilled to see the discussion of this novel off to such a great start. As a bit of background, A Confederacy of Dunces was the FIRST group read for the Trail. Now in the fifth year of the Trail's existence, I see this as an Anniversary of sorts and a very fitting one.

Chalk me up as a lover of this book. I still have my original Grove edition I bought soon after it's publication. And, I've enjoyed it through three reads. The background on the publication of this book is both a poignant and fascinating story. John Kennedy Toole committed suicide before achieving publication of his novel. It was his mother, Thelma who relentlessly pursued recognition of her son's work. The book's ultimate literary champion was no less than Walker Percy, tracked down by Thelma who persistently stood outside his classroom door asking him to read the novel. After repeated refusals, Percy relented. He was amazed. His influence led to the novel's publication. It won the Pulitzer the year following its publication.

Diane, you're to be applauded on your honesty regarding your opinions of this book. Over the years I have seen the division among readers concerning this novel. Folks love it or hate it. There seems to be no in between attitude towards A Confederacy of Dunces. And because of that, I expect this discussion thread to produce some mighty interesting perspectives from this round of readers. For me, I always viewed Ignatius as a personality much like "Miniver Cheevy," a character who SHOULD have lived in an earlier time. So, readers, carry on. I'll be glued to this thread!

I'm glued to this thread as well, because it is endlessly fascinating to see such different opinions of the same book. The haters are wondering what we missed, and the lovers are saying, "how can you not see how great this is?". I give 5 stars to this discussion already, and we've just gotten started.

Diane wrote: "I'm glued to this thread as well, because it is endlessly fascinating to see such different opinions of the same book. The haters are wondering what we missed, and the lovers are saying, "how can y..."

Indeed! This thread is going to be fascinating!

Lawyer wrote: "I'm thrilled to see the discussion of this novel off to such a great start. As a bit of background, A Confederacy of Dunces was the FIRST group read for the Trail. Now in the fifth ye..."
As an odd coincidence, in the early 1990's I participated in a weekly cooking chat room on AOL. Thelma, John's mother, was a regular at the "chats". I am starting my fourth read of Confederacy of Dunces and I am already laughing.

Lawyer wrote: "Judi wrote: "Lawyer wrote: "I'm thrilled to see the discussion of this novel off to such a great start. As a bit of background, A Confederacy of Dunces was the FIRST group read for th..."

Lawyer wrote: "Lawyer wrote: "Judi wrote: "Lawyer wrote: "I'm thrilled to see the discussion of this novel off to such a great start. As a bit of background, A Confederacy of Dunces was the FIRST gr..."

What an experience having "Known" Thelma. Judi, I hope this book continues bringing the laughter to you. It certainly did for me. 😆

For those of you interested, you can find the original March, 2012, Discussion Topics for A Confederacy of Dunces and the life of John Kennedy Toole HERE And Here. And Here. AND EVEN HERE! Poke around a bit and you can read about NewOrleans Wine Cake, Dr. Nut., and even find consolation in Philosophy. "The Trail's" first group read produced 195 comments. There's some interesting stuff you can find here. Want to know what a Doctor Nut is? It's here. Ever wonder what a Paradise Dog is? It's here. Want to follow Ignatius through New Orleans? Well, you can. Here. I have carefully supplied the link which lists all discussion topics so first time readers don't bump into spoilers. ENJOY! Hooooweee! I'm done out of Doctor Nut. I ain't close enough to N'Awlins to grab me a Paradise Dog. I can't make it to the Prytania! And all that's on Turner Classic Movies is that blonde chick so good at hangin' on to her virginitity! Where's my Big Chief Note Pad? I gotta write a letter to those people. AHEM...

Lawyer Stevens

Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?

Diane, I know a production company had the rights to the film, from what I read, but it had never panned out. John Belushi was going to play Ignatius, but died shortly before signing contract. I know there had been a stage production with Nick Offerman in the title role.

Found this from February of this year.

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.nola.c...

Diane wrote: "Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?"

Yep. It's been planned for years. And it's never happened. Here's the latest news I've found. Here. The latest actor chosen to play Ignatius is Nick Offerman.

Both good articles. Thanks, guys.

Diane wrote: "Both good articles. Thanks, guys."

Why, you are most welcome, Miss Scarlett. Do you have any particular plans for the barbecue at Twelve Oaks? I'd be most honored to have your company there. *GRIN*

Diane wrote: "Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?"

I hope that never happens. I can't get my mind around it. I think each reader has his/her perception of Ignatious . . . his specific appearance, his mannerisms, voice.

Judi wrote: "Diane wrote: "Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?"

I hope that never happens. I can't get my mind around it. I think each reader has his/her perception of Ignatious..."

John Belushi could have done it. Too bad he stayed "wired" too long.

Lawyer wrote: "Diane wrote: "Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?"

Yep. It's been planned for years. And it's never happened. Here's the latest news I've found. Here. The latest ac..."
A stage version. I can't imagine that, but at least the access would be limited.

For future consideration, perhaps The Neon Bible by John Kennedy Toole might be a nomination. That is a little gem as well.

I'm 3 hours into the audio book, and haven't laughed out loud once yet. So I guess my initial impression is just lukewarm- seems like things are starting to warm up though.

Dustincecil wrote: "I'm 3 hours into the audio book, and haven't laughed out loud once yet. So I guess my initial impression is just lukewarm- seems like things are starting to warm up though."

Hang in there, Dustin. However, this is one novel that has both its lovers and haters. For me, I'd recommend an actual read as opposed to an Audiobook. It's all in the Narrator. Having read this three times, I have my own perceptions of what Ignatius and the whole crew looks and sounds like. If the narrator don't have that New Orleans "Yat" down, it ain't gonna fly. Ooooooweeeee!

Lawyer Stevens with a broad Cheshire Cat Grin...

I was wondering if an actual read would be better... because the audio book makes Ignatius sound so serious, esp at times when I think he is being sarcastic.

I agree with Miss Scarlett in nearly all she added to this discussion. I did finish the entire thing once after several "quite apart in years" starts. Many years ago I dubbed this the "stooges" book, Diane. We really do connote the same. Often. What makes people laugh is certainly very different for various readers. Even more so in print than in visual media, IMHO.

Dustincecil wrote: "I was wondering if an actual read would be better... because the audio book makes Ignatius sound so serious, esp at times when I think he is being sarcastic."

Exactly!

Jeanette wrote: "I agree with Miss Scarlett in nearly all she added to this discussion. I did finish the entire thing once after several "quite apart in years" starts. Many years ago I dubbed this the "stooges" boo..."

Uhm, I did catch the references to Three Stooges humor only being appreciated by MALES. Each reader is entitled to their like or dislike of any book read on the Trail. But, please note that this novel has its share of women who consider this among their favorite novels. It's a bit stereotypical to assign any work as a man's or woman's book, don't you think? This man was and is not a Three Stooges fan and find the humor in this book much more subtle and sophisticated. So, let's continue playing nice. Boys and Girls together. Ahem... *SMILE*

I think this would make a really good, age appropriate, animated film.

Lawyer wrote: "Diane wrote: "Does anyone know if they ever tried to make a movie from this book?"

Yep. It's been planned for years. And it's never happened. Here's the latest news I've found. Here. The latest ac..."

Not a movie, but Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta did a stage version of A Confederacy of Dunces several years ago. (I just googled it to check the date--it was in 2010.) Other companies have also staged the play. I thought the stage version was generally well done, and true to the book. The script seemed sort of dis-jointed and frenetic, but that's sort of the character of the book, too.
The Jewish and black characters (Myrna Minkoff, Gus and Mrs. Levy and Burma Jones) in the stage version were somewhat problematic, IMHO. They were all stereotypes in the book, but that seemed worse/more offensive on the stage,somehow. I think the broad humor was harder to pull off in the theater, as well.

Here in New Orleans, there has been a stage production that garnered high praise. Of course, much of the inside jokes in the book are aimed at our population, so we likely enjoy all of it more than the average guy or a girl.

Walker Percy, Who is also from this area, got it - the irony and intentional class humor, done tongue in cheek. Love this book!

LeAnne wrote: "Here in New Orleans, there has been a stage production that garnered high praise. Of course, much of the inside jokes in the book are aimed at our population, so we likely enjoy all of it more than..."

I'm not from New Orleans, LeAnne, so I'm sure some of the inside jokes go right past me, but I do appreciate the satiric humor. And I think that it is important to remember that it is satire.

I think the first two paragraphs are a classic opening that sets the stage for what follows.

lol at the hot dog vendor stick up.

I am about 100 pages in on my fourth read. I must chuckle, my life cycles continue to be influenced by the goddess Fortuna. I remain captivated by the character development and the spot on dialog. I am lovin' Jones and Miss Trixie. This book seems particularly relevant at this particular time. Fortuna seems to be on a downward spiral. Red beans and rice for dinner tonight. I am so inspired by this book.

"I am a very attractive woman."

And, as espoused by the mind of Miss Trixie, Gloria knows best.

She reminds me of a Dickensian figure...caricatured like a true Boz artist, with all of her distinct quotes and peeves. I felt genuine sympathy too - seemed to be a warm heart behind the authorial humor.

Judi wrote: "I am about 100 pages in on my fourth read. I must chuckle, my life cycles continue to be influenced by the goddess Fortuna. I remain captivated by the character development and the spot on dialog. ..."

Today has been one of those where I wished I could just tell Fortuna (that minx!) to stop her d@&^%d wheel and let me step off!
At least you have the comfort of some red beans and rice. It's such wonderful comfort food!