Customer Reviews

As I Lay Dying (Norton Critical Editions)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

As I Lay Dying is one of Faulkners greatest novels. It's only 150 pages long. He has done something incredible with this novel. Anyway, it shipped fast and in new condition. No tears or defects. This is a good seller!

Classic fiction really isn't my cup of tea. I did really enjoy Faulkner's "stream of consciousness" writing style. At first, I really fell into the story and the plight of the characters. Then I began to lose interest with the slow pace of the plot. However, towards the end, the drama increased and I got back into the story. There were some amazing lines of thought in the story that really made me think. I think my favorite was a line from Addie Bundren "... and that sin and love and fear are just sounds that people who never sinned nor loved nor feared have for what they never had and cannot have until they forget the words." Overall, As I Lay Dying was a dark novel that is deeply moving and lyrical at times, and sharply to-the-point and simple at others. Glad I read it.

From the backwoods of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi comes this tale of a bumbling family based on an apocryphal story. Tragic, ridiculous, and humorous. The transportation of a dead mother proves to be the straw that breaks the camels back. Anse Bundren tries to lead his prideful and confused family of all ages toward a noble destination. And like I said, Cohen Bros and B.B. Thornton, ASAP. As for the literature, stylistically liberating, Southern Gothic. Check the wiki then see what all the fuss is about or re-read and make some sense out of it.

One of the best books I've ever read. Mercilessly funny. A former viewer is exactly right that this is Cohn brothers territory, though I don't think it would translate easily to the screen.

A really confusing book. If it wasn't on my reading list, I don't know that I would have finished it.