The Neon Bible

John Kennedy Toole's first novel, The Neon Bible, was written at the age of only 16. Its main appeal is as an interesting look at a writer who would later reach great heights with A Confederacy of Dunces. Although the plot is improbably melodramatic, and the book was obviously written by a sixteen year old, it shows great promise, and in portions surprising insight and maturity.

Related Topics:
John Kennedy Toole - A Confederacy of Dunces - Melodrama

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The plot deals with a young man named David, growing up in rural Louisiana, and gradually learning of religious, racial, social and sexual bigotry.

Related Topics:
Louisiana - Bigotry

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The influence of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire is evident in some of the dialogue.

Related Topics:
Tennessee Williams - A Streetcar Named Desire

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Toole thought it too juvenile a writing attempt to submit for publication during his life. It was published posthumously in 1989.

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