This superb novel combines a wacky yet tight plot, a dialogue-driven narrative, a Twain-caliber ear for dialect, and an economy of unique characters and settings in such a way that it reads like a stage production or maybe a Wes Anderson movie. The absurd adventures of Ignatius Reilly are truly funny, yet kind of depressing at the same time. Indeed, through the colossally pathetic presence of the anti-protagonist and his supporting cast, we are treated to a series of episodes that, in addition to entertaining us, entreat us to consider the futility of existence, and the possibility that we're overthinking it.