Title: Absalom, Absalom!
Author: William Faulkner
First published May 1, 1936
316 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780679732181 (ISBN10: 0679732187)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! is a literary gem that has stood the test of time. With its intricate and non-linear narrative, the book is a true masterpiece of American literature.
The story revolves around Thomas Sutpen, a man who rose from poverty to wealth and married into a respectable family. However, his unrelenting ambition and desire to control everything around him ultimately lead to his downfall and the destruction of his family.
The novel is narrated by multiple characters, each with their own version of events, making it impossible to discern the truth about Sutpen’s past. Absalom, Absalom! is a thought-provoking and challenging read that poses fundamental questions about the nature of truth and the human condition.
About the Author
William Cuthbert Faulkner, an American novelist and short story writer, was renowned for his literary contributions throughout the twentieth century. His repertoire mainly consists of novels, novellas, and short stories, but he was also known for his poetry and occasional screenwriting.
Faulkner’s stories primarily take place in Mississippi, his birthplace. Despite publishing his works in the early 1900s, Faulkner remained relatively unknown until he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949.
The award recognized his unique and powerful contribution to modern American novels. Many consider Faulkner as one of the most influential writers in American literature history.
Faulkner was heavily influenced by European modernism and often utilized stream of consciousness in his writing.
Editoral Review
Absalom, Absalom! is a Southern Gothic novel written by William Faulkner and was first published on May 1, 1936. Considered one of Faulkner’s greatest works, this book is steeped in history and explores themes of race, legacy, and the decline of the antebellum South.
In this review, we will explore this novel’s strengths and weaknesses while providing context that will help readers understand the novel in greater depth. Faulkner is notoriously known for his unique style of writing, and Absalom, Absalom! is no exception.
The novel’s prose is dense and requires a certain level of attention to detail to fully appreciate its beauty. Faulkner jumps between perspectives and timelines, which can make the novel challenging to follow at times, but ultimately creates a unique and captivating storytelling experience.
The novel revolves around Thomas Sutpen, a man who comes to Mississippi in the early 1800s to start a plantation and a dynasty. Throughout the book, we discover the different layers of Sutpen’s character, his secrets, and how they impact his family’s legacy.
The story is narrated by multiple characters, including Quentin Compson, who is trying to piece together the events that led to the downfall of the Sutpen dynasty. The novel explores themes of racism, patriarchy, wealth, and familial legacy, all through the lens of Southern history.
Faulkner’s deep knowledge of Southern history is evident throughout the novel, and he provides valuable insights into the cultural, social, and political context of the time. The novel also highlights the deep-rooted issues that still persist in contemporary society, reminding us of the importance of learning from history to prevent future mistakes.
The character development in this novel is masterful, and the authors depiction of the characters emotions and motivations is impressive. The pacing, however, is slow at times, and the novel’s complexities may deter some readers.
In terms of style, Faulkner’s writing is both beautiful and frustrating. The novel’s dense prose and fragmented timelines can make the story difficult to follow, but it is also what makes the novel a literary masterpiece.
Comparing Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! with other works of Southern Gothic literature is natural, but the book stands out as a unique and thought-provoking work. The novel provides a more nuanced and detailed exploration of history and cultural context than other books in this genre.
The novel’s limitations include the use of racist language, which can make it challenging for some readers to connect with the book. However, Faulkner’s depiction of racism highlights the devastating impact it has on individuals and societies, making the novel a valuable teaching tool.
Overall, Absalom, Absalom! is a challenging but rewarding read that delves into complex themes and history. It is an excellent book for readers who enjoy Southern Gothic literature, historical fiction, and those looking to expand their reading list.
We give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
