Having just finished Faulkner's As I Lay Dying all I can say is: wow! what an incredible writer. I was a little apprehensive before trying his work out because I had heard he was tough going but once started I couldn't stop reading. I'm surprised there isn't a sub-forum on here. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you are fond of his work, and if so, what other novels of his would you recommend?
Only an idiot has no grief; only a fool would forget it. What else is there in this world sharp enough to stick to your guts? - Faulkner
As I Lay Dying is definitely one of my favorite books. I once read a user on here compare it to Tristram Shandy, which is fairly accurate. The Sound and the Fury is also very clever and well-written. I didn't care that much for Light in August, thought it to be a bit mediocre. I hear very good things about his short story 'The Bear' and the other famed novel Absalom! Absalom! which I intend on reading soon.
If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise.
-W.Blake
Faulkner is one of my very favorite authors. He creates a feeling of understanding without a linear storyline. It's very cool.
The salvation of the world is in man's suffering. - Faulkner
Two I like that don't get much press anymore are Sanctuary and The Reivers. It's hard to go wrong with WF.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
El adjetivo, cuando no da vida, mata- Huidobro
The Sound and the Fury. Some time or other.
"bruised reed" Isaiah 42:3
I liked Light In August.
I found Absalom Absalom really good, but The Sound and the Fury was my favourite of his. I would recommend both of those to you. I'm reading Light in August at the moment, and though I like his writing style, I'm finding it slightly hard going. Go Down Moses is next on the list. Is Sanctuary any good anyone?
Adagio, Your are right: wow! what an incredible writer
Absalom, Absalom! has been my first and only of his, so far, but I don't think I'll ever stop.
"I am thinking of aurochs and angels, the secret of durable pigments, prophetic sonnets, the refuge of art. And this is the only immortality you and I may share, my Lolita." -- Vladimir Nabokov
Reading Sound and the Fury at the moment. Pretty brilliant so far...
Also, stumbled upon an old copy of As I Lay Dying for a dollar at a used record store the other day. Gonna have to start that one next.
Yes it is. It's more straightforward narrative than, say, The Sound and the Fury. Unmistakeably William F., though. Requiem for a Nun is a sort of sequel to it. Unless I disremember (one of my favorite WF words,) Requiem is part play, part novel.Originally Posted by mollie
The Hamlet is also good. It's part of the Snopes trilogy (Hamlet, Town, Mansion.) This thread is spurring me on to read the last two.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
El adjetivo, cuando no da vida, mata- Huidobro
Cheers. I must dig that one out!
Unfortunately, as much as I hate to admit, I have neglected reading Faulkner for some time; I feel I have delved into my favorite authors, and dove deep, leaving him on the dry shorelines. Hopefully, the thread-starter, Adagio, will not mind my asking this on his thread (not an attempt to hijack it), but, a question for you Faulkner connoisseurs: where should I start?
Sanctuary was my introduction to Faulkner and I really enjoyed it.
"Do you mind if I reel in this fish?" - Dale Harris
"For sale: baby shoes, never worn." - Ernest Hemingway
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I've picked up Absalom, Absalom twice but haven't been able to get into it, maybe I should try As I lay Dying instead.
Do, or do not. There is no try. - Yoda
All of the Faulkner I've read has been superb, so I recommend them all. I would say, though, that Absalom! Absalom! is my favorite so far. Others I've read are As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, Light in August (probably my least favorite, but still excellent), and many of his short stories.
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