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Review of As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

3/30/2016

2 Comments

 

Review by Alex Kosoris

Picture
The more I read, the more I seem to catch while reading. It wasn’t until my second read-through of Naked Lunch that I really feel I began to appreciate it, and even the recent rereading of Animal Farm really made me feel that at least some of my study of literature is sticking with me. And then I encounter something like As I Lay Dying, which I emerged from misunderstanding large portions. Perhaps it has more to do with not yet reading it a second time, but I think I can attribute at least some of this to the story’s ambiguous narrative and the rich symbolism the author employs.
 
As I Lay Dying is an account of the Bundren family as they attempt to withhold the final wish of their newly deceased wife and mother, Addie, by bringing her remains to her hometown as a final resting place. A different character acts as narrator by each chapter, and that gives this story a great deal of its charm. Everyone has a very clear and unique voice that Faulkner is careful to maintain as the story progresses, and we get a good picture of how each sees the others and the world around them, as well as how they deal with the numerous harrowing situations they’re forced to cope with. Description is clearly another of Faulkner’s strengths; he provides specific details that appeal to all the senses, making the world vividly come alive. Add in a great profundity delivered through some of the most elegant prose I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and it’s clear to see the beauty in Faulkner’s work, even if I walk away with some lack of understanding.
 
In short, As I Lay Dying is a wonderful novel and it’s unsurprising, to me, that Faulkner should be so highly regarded. If you have yet to experience it, it comes with my highest recommendation.


2 Comments
Doug Diaczuk
3/31/2016 01:59:25 pm

Hey Alex,

I enjoyed your review of As I Lay Dying. I read it back in university and I agree that it can be a rather difficult read. Perhaps I would benefit from a second read through. Have you read anything else by Faulkner? I would recommend The Sound and the Fury and Light in August. Light in August is much more accessible than some of his other works. I would be interested to know what you think of any of Faulkner's other work. Thanks!

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Alex Kosoris link
4/9/2016 09:17:23 am

Sorry I didn't respond right away, Doug. But, it was good seeing you at the mixer on Thursday; I'm glad we were able to chat a bit about this there!

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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
    • The Kouhi and Phillips Awards
    • 20 Years on Snowshoes - Anthology
  • EVENTS
    • LitFest >
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      • LitFest 2024 Photos
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      • Archives
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    • 27th ANNUAL WRITING CONTEST >
      • 27th Annual Contest rules
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      • Past NOWW Writing Contest Winners
  • CALENDAR
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