As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

I was immediately pulled in by this book and the complex cast of characters. Why was I drawn in? Partly because of the difficulty of getting into the book in the beginning. Still I felt there was something great waiting for me if I kept at it. I am so glad I took the time. Each chapter is written from a different persons voice and perspective, and the language carries a heavy flavor of rural turn of the century. Beneath that runs an intimate story of the relationships between family members, friends, and strangers. Most of the characters are very hard to like, but the perspective of the character’s actions often change as you follow their inner psychological musings and hear their actions through other voices that are carrying the plot. The story follows the Bundren family as their mother passes away and they undertake the journey to Jackson to bury her. I haven’t read many books that focus on family and sibling relationships, and these characters are so different and interesting. Interesting not because they are fantastic people, or doing amazing things, or even surviving amazing events, but interesting because the contentions and histories and secrets they hold all ring true. The imagery and symbolism give the text depth and flavor. As you become accustomed to the writing it almost feels like every passage was carefully chosen and holds meaning. I felt like I was listening to real people, and to me that means the author did exactly what he should. This is the first book by Faulkner I have read but I will be looking for more.

As I Lay Dying

William Faulkner. Vintage 1991, Paperback, 267 pages, $4.50