Absalom, Absalom! (1936)

Several years ago, nearly forty now, an English professor challenged me to read all of Faulkner's novels in the order he wrote them. I had read some Faulkner in school, and the best effort I could muster brought me somewhere close to the state line of appreciation of his work. The anxiety of Faulkner's paragraphs that are pages long, and the limited vocabulary I share with many of my East Tennessee kin, were always the breakdowns that would end any journey I started with old Bill. About five years ago, I decided to try again.

The magic of Kindle patched the tires of my vocabulary as we went. Patience, a tad of maturity (a very small tad), and the humility to pull over and rest if needed helped me roll through each of Faulkner's passages as they came.

But to be honest, I was beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about. Then I got to "Absalom, Absalom!" WOW! I finally get the term southern gothic, but any honest review would admit that for me, understanding Faulkner is still a great distance's read away. At least now I've got a full tank for the rest of the journey. Thank you, Mr. Cushman! ( )

THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It's super important, difficult, and enriching. Captivating and powerful. My favorite Faulkner novel. ( )

THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It's super important, difficult, and enriching. Captivating and powerful. My favorite Faulkner novel. ( )

THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It's super important, difficult, and enriching. Captivating and powerful. My favorite Faulkner novel. ( )

THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It's super important, difficult, and enriching. Captivating and powerful. My favorite Faulkner novel. ( )