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jvanwagoner 's review for:
Absalom, Absalom!
by William Faulkner
challenging
Very interesting experience
I've been working my way through many of the classics of literature and finally came to Faulkner and picked this book since it was on several lists of great works. Early 20th-century literature has been hit and miss for me since sometimes the style gets the book on a list over substance. In this case, I found both.
The style was unique, and I found it annoying initially, but as I got into the book, it made for a worthwhile experience. The narration goes back and forth in time and through different narrators. The author tells the story many times, giving more details and diverse perspectives each time.
It ended up being a lesson to me in how there are always many sides to a story. A good example would be listening to the radically different sides of a couple, you know, going through an ugly divorce. Piecing the whole story together is a challenge. In this case, I eventually gained empathy for almost all of the significant characters in the story.
It also gave me a good look and feel for the pre and post civil war south. I continue to have an appreciation for the significant problems associated with slavery. I'm so glad I didn't live at that time and place.
I recommend this book to those interested in literature and patience to plow through the book. It does end up being rewarding, but it takes some time. Therefore, it would not work for the average casual reader.
I originally wrote this review on 5/28/2009.