A Confederacy of Dunces

By: John Kennedy Toole

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

“A masterwork . . . the novel astonishes with its inventiveness . . . it is nothing less than a grand comic fugue.”—The New York Times Book Review

A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either side like turn signals indicating two directions at once. Full, pursed lips protruded beneath the bushy black moustache and, at their corners, sank into little folds filled with disapproval and potato chip crumbs.

So enters one of the most memorable characters in recent American fiction.

The hero of John Kennedy Toole's incomparable, Pultizer Prize–winning comic classic is one Ignatius J. Reilly, an obese, self-absorbed, hapless Don Quixote of the French Quarter, whose half-hearted attempts at employment lead to a series of wacky adventures among the lower denizens of New Orleans. This book has become an American comic masterpiece.

©1980 Thelma D. Toole (P)1997 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Barrett Whitener strikes just the right note." (AudioFile)
"A Confederacy of Dunces has been reviewed almost everywhere, and every reviewer has loved it. For once, everyone is right." (Rolling Stone)
"What a delight, what a roaring, rollicking, footstomping wonder this book is! I laughed until my sides ached, and then I laughed on." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Excellent Narration!

The story is very entertaining to begin with but the narrator was so excellent at voicing the characters, particularly Ignatius J. Reilly, that it made the whole experience for me. Barret Whitener's Ignatius J. Reilly is so perfect, every exclamation, every tone, every inflection, I can't imagine Ignatius now with any other voice. This book had me laughing out loud often and, although a couple scenes were a little tawdry, it was all part of the story and it all wraps up beautifully at the end.

the best

I think I will never take this off my MP3 player. It is like an old beloved friend. Perfectly narrated in wonderful voices, it is a marvelous original story that never tires. Simply my favorite.

Brilliant reading

"Confederacy" is a hilarious novel filled with unforgettable characters. This is one of those books, told largely in dialogue, that a good reader can bring to life. Barrett Whitener does a terrific job. While this is the preferred audio version, if you get a chance listen to Arte Johnson's reading of the abridgement. Arte Johnson is an amazing reader of comic stories. His reading of Dave Barry Does Japan is also available from audible.

in my top 5 books ive ever read.

I've read this book before twice and listened to the audio book once now. Hilarious book thats expertly written. An absolute tragedy that the author never got to see its success.

Unique

While I found this novel unique in many respects, it did not appeal to me. Many of the characters were caricatures of stereotypes. I did not find the novel very funny although many have. The over-the-top dramatization in the audio version was just too much, and the novel felt dated.

I love this book!

This is a delightful book that will capture you from the very beginning! The book is very well written and the narrator does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. You really, really, really should give this one a listen. You will be glad you did!

Inventive and Unique

As with other reviewers, it took me awhile to get into the story, but I am glad I hung in there. What a cast of characters, what a story line, what an ending!!! Compliments also to the narrator who really brought the characters to life. A first rate read

A must read for all

A dark hilarious (at least I think so) diatribe of a young, southern, intelligent, lazy, confrontational man that brings his wrath to all those he deemed worthy. Third time I've listened, and it gets much better every time. U could listen to Ignatius J Riley everyday and still look forward to what he is going to say next. A remarkable character that leaves a lasting impression. Do yourself a favor and bring Mr. Riley into your world.

A journey with the Absurd

Would you listen to A Confederacy of Dunces again? Why?

perhaps, not something I would usually do, but this a unique story

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Confederacy of Dunces?

The pants factory, the hot dog vendor and even the patrolman in costume

Which character – as performed by Barrett Whitener – was your favorite?

Almost all, he did a wonderful performance

Who was the most memorable character of A Confederacy of Dunces and why?

Ignatius of course. He is so well presented that one can picture his very presence. No even more, all of the characters even the minor roles are brought to life so very well that they almost become the story and are brought into our acceptance

Any additional comments?

A book that would make me laugh without warning. It was a daily deal offering and I am so glad it was.

Face palm

Every step of the way, the author found creative ways of shocking the audience with an inept web of characters. Fantastically frustrating and hilarious.