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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
It was okay (2.5). The stream-of-consciousness monologues for each character were interesting and sometimes even poetic, but often also very complex and difficult to read. The story itself bordered on absurd here and there, yet it managed to do so in a strangely realistic way.
A book about the self—the Faulknerian self consisting of multiple selves coalescing into a single unit. Undoubtedly accessible and with narrative clarity not found in some of Faulkner's other works, although, in all of the author's clear-eyed nihilism, he wouldn't care about all that.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Faulkner's "stream of consciousness" style means repeating phrases and rambling about uninteresting nonsense. Bad style, bad people, bad story. I only give some credit because it seems like there is something interesting hidden in here, and the end hints at something profound, but I missed it. There's also a quality ceiling for any story with such bland subject matter - I don't think even Mark Twain could have charmed this up to a passing grade.
As I Lay Dying is just bleak and boring and confusing. I think it's mostly acclaimed for being unique and a faithful representation of a certain culture, but unfortunately I care mainly about plot and characters and themes, which are the criteria by which most good stories are deemed good or bad.
As I Lay Dying is just bleak and boring and confusing. I think it's mostly acclaimed for being unique and a faithful representation of a certain culture, but unfortunately I care mainly about plot and characters and themes, which are the criteria by which most good stories are deemed good or bad.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Still such an amazing story after all these years. This audio rendition of it works nicely. It employs multiple actors to play the various members of the family, and those actors a uniformly good. This book lends itself well to this treatment seeing as it is told through the perspective of the various different siblings and friends. Always nice to be reminded how good an author Faulkner was.
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Classic Faulkner - it's all here. Poverty, the woman's lot in life, family obligations, and life's unfairness. Themes of the futile nature of religion and morbidity. When I read Faulkner I read a synopsis afterwards to make sure I got the story straight. The stream of consciousness style of writing is unique to his writing style.