Rating: 
Summary: Faulkner uglified
Review: Faulkner strikes again in that in this one, the method of narration seems revolutionary and incredible. Once again he teaches me that a writer can switch times, characters and other elements and still tell the same story. The plot, aside from that, is fairly simple. But, given the enormously talented writer, this book just seemed ugly to me - ugly in the sense that the words seemed to be in sepia tones - leave it to Faulkner, he's good enough to plan it that way -. The idea of flies on the mother's body, and of Darl's thoughts, and of the poverty of the family and the seeming desperation of it all (it reminded me of "Lonesome Dove"'s Woodrow Call painstakingly trying to bring Gus McCrae's body back to Texas) I just felt yucky the whole time I was reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: Like a glass of port wine
Review: I had tried reading this book a couple of times after reading The Sound and the Fury (which I loved), but never managed to get very far. I recently tried again and made it all the way through, and I'm glad I did. The first half of the book is a little slow, but my advice is to stick with it, because it gets better. I'm going to go back and read this one again; this is really the kind of book that rewards multiple readings, since your liable to miss something the first time through. I think The Sound and the Fury is a better book, but both are worth reading.As much as I like Faulkner, his books are not for everyone. He has an affinity for stream-of-consciousness -- an affinity I do not share -- that I suppose was more avant garde in Faulkner's day, but which may tend to annoy the modern reader. Faulkner's real genius, though, is his subtlety; he brings you gradually toward a greater understanding of the characters without beating you over the head. Figuring out for yourself what's going on is more rewarding than if Faulkner had just come out and told you. If Twain's writing is like water, then Faulkner's is like port wine: the first taste may cause you to gag and spit, but if you can manage to finish the whole thing, you may discover something that will bring you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Rating: 
Summary: A few words on Faulkner's style...
Review: Some of the critics have mentioned that the language of Faulkner is jumpy, disruptive, and unpolished. I would like to remind the critics that Faulkner was atempting to capture the state of mind and the inner dialogue fo the characters, who -- like all of us -- think is incomplete and unpolished sentences. Faulkner demonstrates great control and mastery of characterization in his ability to write and speak as if his dynamic characters, who ranges from heroic, retarded, selfish, abusive, narrow-minded, and innocent.
Rating:
Summary: Take your time, it's worth a slow, thoughtful read.
Review: While you read this book, listen carefully to what Jewell has to say - and note how infrequently he's allowed to speak. His true, heroic nature would have shined through too obviously if Faulkner had often given us Jewell's thoughts. A careless reader may infer that Darl is the normal, loving son, while in fact he is insane. Read the book carefully, to find out why Darl is insane, why Jewell is the hero.
Rating:
Summary: Are you crazy?
Review: Anyone who fails to see the art in this novel can go buy a copy of Steven Kings new hardback. This book is a work of art that challenges the mind. We are so used to bad literature these days, we don't even know what to look for in good literature. Read Faulkner, read Toni Morrison. Enrich yourself. Five Stars.
Rating:
Summary: The greatest novel ever written?
Review: Such a shame this is out of print. As I lay dying wuite simply, rewrites the novel as an art form. I read this masterpiece while travelling in france. The lack of english language books meant that I had to persevere with it. In time it came to remind me of picasso's art works - like 'The women of avignon', this novel marks a new way of looking at the world. So many novels since are poor imitations (for example 'Last drinks'). I have read a novel a week for the last 15 years, and done english literature at uni. Nothing matches this book. I'd name a child after the central character. A synchronicity with this book - I was in New york after I'd been in France, and I happened to be talking to a stranger in a bar. I mentioned this novel - His reply - That novel is amazing - I based my whole life on that book....
Rating:
Summary: my mother is a fish....need i say more?
Review: My mother is a fish. Prehaps the greatest short definition of the death of a mother ever written. Five words that speak volumes.
Rating:
Summary: All in the Family
Review: This book defined "dysfunctional" before the concept even existed. An impressive work if you like books that make you think. Gibberish if you like the modern mystery novel or if you can't be bothered to look up words like "peakling," "frail" or "chapping."
Rating:
Summary: A Funny Yet Pathetic Book
Review: Well, What can I say except this book was a pleasure to read. It is written in a somewhat "modern" style and is easy for the average reader to comprehend. The humor of the book is found in the characters. Because each character gets a chance to narrarate a part of the story, the differing points of view help to move the story along quickly. The book was cleverly written, centered around a pathetic goal- to burry the character's dead mother and wife. It is a truly pathetic tale told in a funny way!! Bravo to Faulkner!!!- A superb book!!
Rating:
Summary: A comical and sad book
Review: Faulkner himself called this novel a "tour de force" and you will too after reading it. The 59 inner monologue narratives relate the tale (full of Biblical allusions and images, of course-It's Faulkner) of the Bundren family burying their dead mother, Addie. The novel has some of the most memorable events and images in Faulkner's fiction, such as concrete leg casts and a character proclaiming, "My mother is a fish." Aside from the nonlinear "modern" structure of the narrative, much of the study on the work relates how the family's journey can be taken as an allegory. The Bundren family is quite different than the Sutpens and Compsons, but there are a few interesting parallels you may uncover. The book can be comical and absurd at times, bordering on the surreal. It's an interesting read and each time I pick up the novel and delve into the book, I find somehting new, whether it is subtle imagery or new thoughts on the South or literature itself.
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