William Faulkner’s "As I Lay Dying" is a bold, innovative Southern Gothic tale about a family’s dark, tragicomic journey to bury their matriarch. The novel is a masterclass in narrative experimentation: each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view, including the dead mother herself, immersing the reader in multiple minds and unreliable perspectives. This makes for a visceral, haunting, and sometimes darkly funny read. If you love literary challenges, psychological depth, and are drawn to American classics with experimental styles or enjoy exploring dysfunctional families and gritty realism, this book is for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found Faulkner’s techniques more frustrating than fascinating. The shifting points of view, dense stream of consciousness narrative, and Southern dialect can feel confusing or inaccessible, especially at first. If you prefer straightforward plotlines, clearly defined characters, or dislike having to piece together the narrative puzzle, you might find this novel more of a slog than a pleasure. It’s also a bleak story about a deeply dysfunctional family, so if you’re looking for uplifting or relatable characters, steer clear.

A challenging yet rewarding read - brilliant, weird, and unforgettable. "As I Lay Dying" is a must-try for fans of literary innovation and American classics, but it’s not for the faint of heart or those seeking a breezy story.

About:

'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner tells the story of the Bundren family as they embark on a journey to honor their matriarch, Addie's, dying wish to be buried in Jefferson. The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, showcasing the family's dysfunctional dynamics and the challenges they face along the way. The novel is known for its dark humor, stream of consciousness narrative style, and the unique voices of each character that provide a fragmented yet compelling portrayal of the Bundrens' journey.

Characters:

The characters portray a dysfunctional family dynamic, each with distinct personalities and motives that reflect their challenges and the impact of their mother's death.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by stream of consciousness and multiple narrators, each providing unique insights and vernacular speech, creating a rich yet complex tapestry.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the Bundren family's tumultuous journey to bury their deceased mother, facing various obstacles and revealing their dysfunctional dynamics along the way.

Setting:

The setting evokes the hardships of rural life in the early 20th century South, highlighting the landscape and societal context that shape the characters' experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slow build that enhances emotional depth, interrupted by dramatic events, reflecting the chaotic nature of the family's journey.

Jewel and I come up from the field, following the path in single file. Although I am fifteen feet ahead of him, anyone watching us from the cottonhouse can see Jewel's frayed and broken straw hat a fu...

Notes:

As I Lay Dying was written in just six weeks by William Faulkner.

The novel is told from 15 different first-person perspectives.

Each chapter is named after the character narrating it, and there are 59 chapters in total.

One of the chapters consists of the line 'My mother is a fish'.

The novel explores themes of family dysfunction and the struggles of the Bundren family during their journey to bury their mother.

Faulkner uses a stream of consciousness writing style, focusing on the inner thoughts of the characters rather than a traditional narrative structure.

The book reflects the Southern Gothic genre, incorporating dark humor and grotesque elements.

The story takes place in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, which Faulkner created as a backdrop for many of his works.

All characters in the novel are closely connected to Addie Bundren, the deceased mother, illustrating their different perspectives on grief and obligation.

Faulkner deliberately renders dialects and vernacular speech to enhance the authenticity of character voices.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains heavy themes such as death, decay, mental instability, and familial neglect, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time

1915

•

266 pages

Ratings (80)

Incredible (16)
Loved It (30)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (12)
Did Not Like (7)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (138):

Read It (84)
Want To Read (51)
Not Interested (3)

2 comment(s)

hounel440

It Was OK

1 month

I spent most of this book confused. Definitely not the most approachable book espcially as I havent rread any other Faulkner books. I look forward to rereading it one day as it feels like one that reveals itself one mulitple readings. Still was enjoyable and entrancing

elitup857

Loved It

3 months

“He had a word, too. Love, he called it. But I had been used to words for a long time. I knew that that word was like the others: just a shape to fill a lack; that when the right time came, you wouldn’t need a word for that any more than for pride or fear”

What can you read after
As I Lay Dying?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

William Faulkner, one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, was born in New Albany, Mississippi, on September 25, 1897. He published his first book, The Marble Faun, in 1924, but it is as a literary chronicler of life in…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

As I Lay Dying

William Faulkner

Who Would Like This Book: