Which Faulkner book would you read first and why?

[Anonymous]

I want to broaden my literary horizons, so looking for suggestions.

[Anonymous]

The Sound and the Fury. It's the best.

[Anonymous]

I applaud your inclination, OP.

Afraid I never developed a taste for Faulkner. (As I Lay Dying was 10th grade torture!)

[Anonymous]

Absalom, Absalom is my favorite, but the narrative structure can be challenging.

The first time I tried The Sound and the Fury, I couldn't get into it and gave up. It's absolutely worth the effort, though.

To start out, I would probably choose The Unvanquished. Its structure and style are more straightforward than some others, and I just love his Civil War-era books.

[Anonymous]

I think Absalom, Absalom and Light in August are the best, but I don't know that I'd start with them.

[Anonymous]

Love The Sound and the Fury. But it is tough going without some guidance. I read twice in college, the second time in a Faulkner seminar, and I got much more out of it.

[Anonymous]

Another poster here that could not get through Sound and Fury when I was younger and gave up.
Maybe I should give it another go. What can you compare it to? What did you love about it?

[Anonymous]

Another vote for The Sound and the Fury. But get the Spark Notes, or something similar, or you won't realize, for example, that you're getting a stream of consciousness from a boy with developmental challenges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for The Sound and the Fury. But get the Spark Notes, or something similar, or you won't realize, for example, that you're getting a stream of consciousness from a boy with developmental challenges.

Agree with this completely. I didn't "get" Faulkner until my third attempt. I'd read a chapter, then read Spark Notes to make sure I understood correctly. I also found it helpful to read aloud in my head, if that makes sense. Now I'm a huge Faulkner fan!

[Anonymous]

See, I started easy and went on from there. Really liked The Hamlet as an older teen. It has a plot and isn't as complex and challenging as some of his other work. If you like it, it has sequels. And you'll get introduced to the Snopes!

[Anonymous]

I was just thinking how i would love to re read faulkner. I had to read in HS and college and was so difficult. Now I bet my 40 something brain can handle it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another poster here that could not get through Sound and Fury when I was younger and gave up.
Maybe I should give it another go. What can you compare it to? What did you love about it?

Honestly, I think it is almost incomparable. There was nothing like it until Faulkner wrote it. The family story is so tragic. The 3 different parts are written from such entirely different perspectives, yet they inform each other so much. Writing from the perspective of a mentally disabled boy, in a way that at first is so incomprehensible but then is so important and so moving. The moving back and forward in time. The sense of place. The social commentary that underlies it all. Truly, truly great. But it is hard to appreciate without a guide.

I think it's kind of like the Beatles, lol. Not everyone likes them, but no lover of music can deny their brilliance or their impact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another poster here that could not get through Sound and Fury when I was younger and gave up.
Maybe I should give it another go. What can you compare it to? What did you love about it?

Honestly, I think it is almost incomparable. There was nothing like it until Faulkner wrote it. The family story is so tragic. The 3 different parts are written from such entirely different perspectives, yet they inform each other so much. Writing from the perspective of a mentally disabled boy, in a way that at first is so incomprehensible but then is so important and so moving. The moving back and forward in time. The sense of place. The social commentary that underlies it all. Truly, truly great. But it is hard to appreciate without a guide.

I think it's kind of like the Beatles, lol. Not everyone likes them, but no lover of music can deny their brilliance or their impact.

4 different parts, sorry!

[Anonymous]

First choice should definitely be As I Lay Dying. Easier to get into and through before taking on the others. He also has a few short stories you could start with.