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camstipated 's review for:

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
2.25
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.