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jzelman's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty in-line with his other novels— a tough read but ultimately rewarding.
andrewerath's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first foray into a Faulkner novel that I actually finished, having really no idea about the book before hand. I picked it up in a local used book store simply because I was intrigued by the cover (I'm a weary agnostic with Catholic tendencies, put that in your Tinder profile). After starting it, I learned that it is an extremely divisive novel in his canon; with many contemporary critics thinking it scattered and confusing, or Faulkner embracing his stylized prose with perhaps TOO much confidence. Overall I enjoyed the book, and thought it was well worth reading! Some pros and cons:
Pros
- If you love World War 1 as a setting, there is plenty to enjoy here. I think Faulkner really hits on the existentially brutal nature of the war, as well as has some really great insights on what we'd call today the "military-industrial complex".
- When Faulkner hits, he HOMERS. There are some stunning, stunning passages in this. The book's final quarter is truly amazing, and the Generalissimo - Corporal conversations on the mountain are amazing.
- I found it really did have something interesting to say about man, and our propensity for self destruction. That we would fight to keep the death going is more relevant in today's forever war environment than ever before. His visions of machinations of death might not have been accurate (not huge mechs but silent drones destroying us all), but the feeling of plodding our way to hell was spot on.
Cons
- Too many metaphors. Just gets lost in the sauce. Passion of the Christ allegory is a great one, but my GOODNESS sometimes its ham-fisted.
- It is truly a difficult read. I had many, many times where I re-read full pages twice before I got my head around just who was even speaking. It got better as it went, or at least my brain got better at decoding it.
Excited to read more Faulkner, especially since this is considered one of his worst. Next up (at some point) is A Light in August.
Pros
- If you love World War 1 as a setting, there is plenty to enjoy here. I think Faulkner really hits on the existentially brutal nature of the war, as well as has some really great insights on what we'd call today the "military-industrial complex".
- When Faulkner hits, he HOMERS. There are some stunning, stunning passages in this. The book's final quarter is truly amazing, and the Generalissimo - Corporal conversations on the mountain are amazing.
- I found it really did have something interesting to say about man, and our propensity for self destruction. That we would fight to keep the death going is more relevant in today's forever war environment than ever before. His visions of machinations of death might not have been accurate (not huge mechs but silent drones destroying us all), but the feeling of plodding our way to hell was spot on.
Cons
- Too many metaphors. Just gets lost in the sauce. Passion of the Christ allegory is a great one, but my GOODNESS sometimes its ham-fisted.
- It is truly a difficult read. I had many, many times where I re-read full pages twice before I got my head around just who was even speaking. It got better as it went, or at least my brain got better at decoding it.
Excited to read more Faulkner, especially since this is considered one of his worst. Next up (at some point) is A Light in August.
rachel_b_824's review against another edition
Started because it's the 1955 National Book Award winner. (I'm working on reading all the NBA winners.) I'm not finishing it because while I do like Faulkner, I'm not a huge fan of his war stories. In fact, I'm not really a fan of war stories in general. I wasn't up to reading a 400+ page war novel.
Next up on the NBA project: a book I've never heard of! (Ten North Frederick, by John O'Hara)
Next up on the NBA project: a book I've never heard of! (Ten North Frederick, by John O'Hara)
buzzgirl's review against another edition
2.0
I think Faulkner’s inaccessibility goes a long way toward making the author himself, his reputation as one of the greatest writers ever, invincible.