I tried, really I did, to read these books. They were very difficult to understand. I even did an online discussion with "experts" to try to figure out what was going on, but it just didnt happen. I read "As I Lay Dying" entirely and the story behind the story told by the "experts" was okay, but did not make the read worth the time. The 2nd book, I couldnt get past the first few chapters and by the third book, I had given up. Definitely not my style.
I love reading novels, and I hate reading bad novels. Why not read the best? Sure, throw-away thrillers and mysteries are fun but my time is valuable and I prefer reading the best of the best, and Faulkner is at the top of the short list. lt;br /gt; lt;br /gt;This story of love and tragedy, courage and tradition in the Deep South (in 1928) is one of the most moving stories Ive ever read. This is great literature! lt;br /gt; lt;br /gt;Faulkners accounts of children playing in a creek, of lovers torn by tradition and family, of racism and routine cruelty is brilliant. His cadence is perfect, his images hauntingly clear. This is not easy reading, and many students learn to hate Faulkner with a passion! His long sentences, his disjointed dialogue and juxtaposition of time and place require the readers attention, but it is worth the effort. lt;br /gt; lt;br /gt;Do yourself a huge favor. Buy and read this great American story. Its not "easy" but the best things in life rarely are. And one more suggestion: do not get it at the public library! Buy it. Youll want to savor it, and my guess is youll want to re-read again and again. This is a book you should definitely own and cherish.
