This was one of those books that is more about getting you thinking than really telling any kind of story, and to be honest the plot line was a little slow. However that said, the writing style was amazing. Faulkner is a mast of dialects, and the reader is made aware of each character's emotions, education, and personality through his or her individual diction. The story itself has sort of a detached sadness that pervades it, and the actions bring the reader to understand just what is left for a family that has nothing. ( )

This is the perfect starting place for a Faulkner virgin in my opinion. It gives you the POV traits that become so imperative in some of his larger works, while keeping it nice and simple and easy to read. Short chapters and rapid action keep this compelling for those who are new to this style.
A lot of reviews on other sites say differently, suggesting Light in August and/or The Unvanquished as the perfect starting place. They're lying. Those are definitely not to be missed - however, to read Faulkner is to read his major works. As I Lay Dying prepares you for what's coming...Light in August does not. The Unvanquished? Those are basically short stories so...this would be my choice for best first Faulkner. ( )

Whilst reading this novel I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not, but on completion it stands out as an excellent mini-epic about generations. I was especially drawn to the split narrative, and Faulkner's ability to capture a unique voice and language for each of the participating characters. I have an odd sensation about the novel that none of its constituent parts is fantastic, but that viewed together they just seem to work. After reading 'As I Lay Dying' I am compelled to try out some more Faulkner in the near future. ( )

I just finished As I Lay Dying (Faulkner) yesterday. Wow! I found the Chapter told by Addie to be very powerful-- not at all what you are
led to
expect of her in the first half of the book.
I found the whole family and even community to be filled with ignorance and
idiocy, and
the plight of women to be horrific. Family and marriage specifically seemed to
be more of
a survival necessity that a tie of affection. I wonder if this is how Faulkner
saw everyone,
the rural South, or if he portrayed this family in particular as an anomaly?

This was easier to wade through than The Sound and The Fury (which I also
thoroughly
enjoyed), and I love the perfect southern slang and dialect. I found myself
thinking in this
dialect before long (fortunately NOT talking in it). My grandparents are from
the poorest
armpit of Southeast Texas and I can remember them and their "kin" talking much
like this
especially when reminiscing about the past.

I give it a 4.5 ( )

As I Lay Dying was my first ever interaction with Faulkner, and I must say, now I know what all the hype is about.

The plot involves a mother, Addie Bundren, who has died, and her family fulfilling the promise to bury her in the distant Jefferson county, a journey rife with trials and tribulations. Additionally, each family member has their own reasons for getting to Jefferson county, other than to bury Addie.

The literary technique of the novel involves 59 chapters, each of which is narrated by one of 15 individuals, including the deceased Addie. Each character has a unique voice, which shows through in the writing, ranging from Cash's first chapter, which reads like an instruction manual, to Darl's last chapter, which reads like James Joyce, to Vardaman's quotable chapter, which is only five words long.

Expertly crafted, this book shows that Faulkner had mastered dark humor. As well, he uses the literary technique to its fullest strength. The characters, both caricatures and realistic people, are at the same time sad and hilarious.

If you're a fan of other Faulkner works, or enjoy the writings of Joyce, then you may very well enjoy As I Lay Dying. ( )