I'm embarrassed to say this is my first time reading this book.
This is embarrassing because I can vividly remember having at least a couple discussions with friends or customers about this title, recommending it heavily and even debating plot points. Honestly, I have no idea where I got any of what I was saying. Because the minute I started reading it, I realized, oh…. Yeah…. This is entirely new to me. (I had a similar experience with The Secret Garden and another book that I can't yet remember the name of. I'll keep you all updated, since I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat after my few months absence.)
But anyway, back to the book.
I absolutely adore this book. It's perfect for me. I have a very odd sense of humor and I adore picaresque novels, in which the hero of the novel isn't really a hero at all. In fact he's often a rogue or a loner or otherwise morally reprehensible or ambiguous. I may not be giving the most precise definition of picaresque, but it's close enough for government work. It's Spanish in origins, I believe and is more often than not satirical in nature. As a book snob and former English Major, I really should have a better handle on this, but you get the idea.
Anyway. The main character is just that. An anti-hero. And let me just say, I absolutely HATE Ignatius J. Reilly.
The descriptions of his room, his masturbatorial fantasies (that was a little difficult to read, I'll be honest), his habits, the way he speaks to his mother; he's disgusting. Honestly, the only thing I liked was his hat. I must admit that's a mighty fine hat. I do love his utter failure/mastery of his job as a clerk, his solution for the seemingly undignified position of hot dog vendor. Although I know at least a couple people who have been unable to complete the book because of their feelings towards Ignatius, I found his absolutely irredeemable nature to be the reason I became so fond of him in the end. Anyone that self involved, you almost have to root for him. He reminded me of the main character in Miniver Cheevy (a poem linked here), only much less passive in his contempt for the world.
I felt a deep affection for all these flawed characters. Myrna Mirkoff and her ridiculous reading of sexuality into every single act (though she's probably got a bit of a point). Irene Reilly, Ignatius' long-suffering mother, finally finding freedom and love with Mr. Robichaux (here's hoping there's no "communiss" around).
Lana Lee, who I absolutely adore and whose dual role as Madame and pornographer make so many delightful parts of the story possible, including Darlene's ambition to become an "exotic" in the Night of Joy club and parodying Scarlett O'Hara. And you can't forget Burma Jones... I adore him. Honestly, this book is rich with enjoyable moments and characters.
My absolute favorite part of the book, though, is the pornographic photo involving his copy of the Boethius, The Consolations of Philosophy. That has stuck with me stronger than almost any other image in the book. It was so brilliant, it really was.
In conclusion. I'm glad that this didn't end up being a re-read. Reading this book reminded me why I read at all, all the ideas and the hilarity and absurdity. It came at a time when I really needed it and I am so glad that I got to experience it for the first time.
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