Finished: May 1, 2023
Why I read this
This book is on so many lists. Really everywhere I looked while trying to build my reading list I saw this book on it whether it was American Classics, Pulitzer prize winners, funniest books, top 100 books to read before you die, whatever I saw this book on it. Between that and the fact that my mother thoroughly recommended it I decided to pick it up rather quickly, and although I was a bit skeptical (since I don’t usually go for books just because they are humourous), I blurred through this book in just over a weekend because it was just that good.
What I learned
The first thing to know about the book is the story of the author. After a dissatisfied life in which he happened to write the manuscript of this novel, the author committed suicide and the book went unpublished for many years. Finally, the authors mother decided to send the manuscript to an editor and by the absolute thinnest of chances we were able to have a look at this delightful read, and it even went on to win the most prestigious prize in writing, so incredible story from the very start.
Then once the pages start to turn if you like quirky over the top humor you will not be able to put this book down. But more than that, it manages to be funny while being extremely smart. I thank the teachers of my life for having taught me so much, because the more you know the more you will enjoy a novel like this. The rantings of Ignatius are ridiculous but also chocked full of references, and insights that sometimes give you just enough pause to think “maybe he’s onto something” before immediately dashing all your hopes and going back into utter madness and self-righteousness.
What I didn’t like
The only problem that I had with this book likely came from the way that I read it. I had a weekend full of travel and when I travel I read almost all of this time. So I was excited to have a full and exciting book to read almost cover to cover. The only challenge was that the humor relies on a bit of a shock factor. The fact that Reilly does such outrageous things compared to how we do things normally is supposed to be inventive and humorous, however when reading the book for 9 hours straight it can become a bit dull and repetitive. Even the best comedies can be overdone, and if I had spread the book out I believe I would have enjoyed it a bit more.
Questions I asked
Can/do people like Ignatius Reilly really exist? I think they probably do. How can they possible survive in our society?
What parts of Reilly’s rantings might be true? Which ones might be mostly rubbish with a tiny grain of reality to them?
Should we challenge our modern way of living more or less? Does someone need to be absolutely over the top to be heard? (think of some of the crazy stunts Greta Thunberg has done, or the media attention we afford people who seem insane)
My Favorite Quote
“I am at the moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make an occasional cheese dip”
Ignatius Reilly
Books I liked like this one
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: Douglas Adams (For the absolutely ridiculous situations and over the top characters)
Good Omens: Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (For some provoking questions hidden behind light humor)
Book Reviews for Mom 