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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
As I Lay Dying--Critical Edition, April 20, 2010
Faulkner is not for everyone, I think anyone who has ever read a single page of his writing can
agree to that. Stream of consciousness dictates to the point of distraction, characters contradict
themselves, and you almost break out in a sweat as atmospherically he's nothing but pure Mississippi.
But, he's fascinating with his use of language, and, amazingly, his stories move
forward. The trials and heartache involved in seeking to transport Addie Bundren to her desired
resting place in death are so haunting that the book is nearly impossible to forget.
The newly released Norton Critical Edition is a great help in putting it all together.
There are explanatory footnotes included in the text, along with a fine introduction and critical
essays at the back.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Paperback Edition Yet Released, October 13, 2010
Norton Critical Editions are often hit or miss affairs, but in this instance their execution was perfect. I shan't comment on the novel--if you're even considering it, you know it's a classic and on the short list of great American--not to mention, modern--novels ever written. What this edition does is make explicit why: it contains a series of Faulkner's commentaries on the novel from a lecture series at the University of Virginia; some excellent essays on the work by the likes of Stephen M. Ross, Cleanth Brooks, and a phenomenal formalist criticism by Eric Sundquist; as well as copious goodies interspersed, like a commentary on Faulkner's writing method and a few reprints of the novel's original drafts, both typed and handwritten. With a well written intro by Michael Gorra and a $7 (!) price tag, this is the copy to get if you're considering a little trip with the Bundrens.
EDIT: In the seven days since I posted this, Amazon has raised the price to ~14, which makes it somewhat less of a steal. I'd still recommend it, however, to anyone interested in this work as well as a thorough guide to its various nuances.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best books I've ever read, December 10, 2011
I purchased this in connection with a fiction class and am so happy that I did. It is worth reading and re-reading. I highly recommend the Norton Critical Edition. Others in my class who had different editions were not as pleased with their versions. Be prepared to spend some time with this - it isn't a quick read, but it will stay with you for a very long time.
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