This book was published postmortem of the author, who committed suicide in late 1960's. It follows the dramatic life of Ignatius J. Reilly, who is of "grand" stature and mannerism. He is a 30-year-old virgin and scholar, who lives with his mother, writes profusely and possess very sensitive valves (that causes incessant bloating if upset). One who misunderstands or refuses to see his point of view may deem him obnoxious and unbearable, blaming his bloated state of being on the excessive consumption of Dr. Nut (a soft drink) and hot dogs (that he will eventually sell, or try to). A kindred spirit on the other hand will see an abused soul, whose alcoholic mother and on-and-off idealistic (who believes every psychological malady could be cured with sex) female correspondent, Myrna (the Minx), keep berating him with his every move, contributing to valval impediment.
Throughout the story, Ignatius's sense of style (or lack thereof, preferring a big floppy green hat to keep his ears warm over nicely groomed hair) precedes his presence. This follows his near arrest as he was waiting for his dear "ol mamma", Irene, at a shopping complex. From there on, more characters make their way into the storyline; Officer Mancuso (the sergeant played a continuous prank on him) and his aunt Santa Battaglia (loves bowling, matchmaking and gossiping), Lana Lee (owner of Night of Joy nightclub), Jones ("vagrant" Night of Joy janitor who knows he's onto "something big"), Darlene (drink pusher and aspiring exotic dancer), Mr. Levy (one of Ignatius's employers with a story of his own), Miss Trixie (whose "guidance" Ignatius craves) and many more colourful characters.
Ignatius lives in a world that literally never leaves New Orleans, except for that one abominable trip for a job interview on a Greyhound, to Baton Rouge that left his valves sealed, and deprived him of a job for a number of years. He writes Irene loves her son to the point of annoyance, not to just Santa but some readers too I am certain, thus the firestoning of Irene against Ignatius began and she pushes him to search for a job suitable for his "high education" or the option of hospitalising him. This is when a lot of the characters are brought together. This book is definitely a recommended read for any reader, read on to find out Ignatius's rally to change the world (into what is still up for speculation) and his constant writing to the Minx, Patrolman Mancuso's pitiful career, whether Jones really is onto something big, Irene's battle with her "insane" son and Mr. Levy's struggle with his company and demons (of a wife).
Thanks to C, Big Kahuna's colleague for lending this book. He's in Europe for a month so my book supply is on hold for now. Ta ra~
Just read:
A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka (funny)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Jonathan Safran Foer (great writing)
Currently reading:
Weather - Julie Capaldo (jury's still out)
update: one of the flakiest books I've ever read but it did have its funny moments
Will read:
Rides a Dread Legion - Raymond E. Feist
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