Out (Natsuo Kirino)

I have to admit that the prose of this novel is just bad. Whether it's as bad to begin with in the original Japanese, or it's more the fault of the translator, I'm not sure. In any case, I thought it was an interesting story, although often not very believable. What was most interesting to me was its social critique of contemporary Tokyo culture, from a feminist and a class point of view, as well as its indulgence in violent and sadistic imagery.

A Confederacy of Dunces (John Kennedy Toole)

This book was very entertaining, although sometimes too preposterous for its comedy. The best thing about it is that its "hero" is a very unlikely one who somehow manages to be unlikeable at the same time as he appeals to (I imagine) a large percentage of contemporary generations. For me the appeal was in his completely inability to cope with living in the modern world, coupled with his talent for dreaming and attempting many ridiculous and impossible deeds. At first glance he is a laughable, immature and mean person, but by the end it is clear that he is person who has some serious problems, and his ultimate desire to break free of them is actually kind of moving. I don't know why someone hasn't made a movie of this book.