William Faulkner - As I Lay Dying BOOK REVIEW

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

Big thanks to Ridge for sending me this wallet and supporting the channel! Here’s the site if you want to check them out! > ridge.com/BETTERTHANFOOD

[@mraduldubey9614]

Hey Cliff, Long time viewer. Second time commentor. I love the literature you review. I read Stoner after your review and I will never forget it. Read The Peregrine, and I got goosebumps. I love that you explore all kinds of lit. I have been meaning to recommend you "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry. I am not going to pitch it to you. It's one book that has become a part of me and wouldn't leave. Hopefully, you read it, even if you don't review it. Thanks for the videos and reviews. Cheers !

[@turma8eac]

you should check out "the alienist" from machado de assis

[@TerryStewart32]

@@HiddenW0rld-y7x he has reviewed books my that author before. Though it might not be the specific title your taking about

[@michaelgarza8271]

I envy you your first reading of Moby Dick. Faulkner himself said that book was the one he most wish he'd written.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Your friend reading As I Lay Dying while laid up in the hospital. What a badass.

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@writeitdown2013]

"My mother is a fish." The shortest chapter I've ever read in a book. It's also pretty stunning within the context of Faulkner's novel

[@adhithyaravindra7580]

Chapter 98 or 99 of Life of Pi is just two words long. That's probably the shortest I've seen. And the chapter makes sense.

[@kintsumori4976]

probably the longest in length of time that is covered . if he's trying to make a connection with our common ancestor from the sea, the tree of life.

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@metube7332]

The end of this fucking book left me speechless for honest to god about 20 minutes before I could even close the thing and collect my thoughts. Faulkner is really master of his craft in so many more ways than I could even try to name.

[@adie4928]

I have just read the ending. And here I am. 🤯

[@elis9344]

Faulkner is no doubt one of the greatest of all times. I read Light in August for about forty years ago, and it never stopped haunting me.

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@marcelhidalgo1076]

My eyes were away from the computer and then he said "Ernest Hemingway" and then I was instantly paying full attention again... Good job, Cliff.

[@TheEndofZombieShakespeare]

Cash's quote "But it is better so for him. This world is not his world; this life his life." has to be one of my favourite lines from any book.

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@jessemcelroy2019]

“ Because people to whom sin is just a matter of words, to them salvation is just words too.”- Addie Bundren

[@pranavraja9045]

@@jessemcelroy2019”death is a function of the mind and those of its bereavement” - Peabody

[@seanelliot3512]

Finished reading this masterpiece for the first time today genuinely and it really has left me speechless. Literature just doesn't get better, As an aspiring writer it makes you feel inspired and inadequate at the same time in a good way "My Mother is a Fish" is one of the most brutally resonant sentences in all of litereature

[@Abraxas948]

The barn burning chapter is one of my favorite pieces of fiction ever. The whole book is amazing but that chapter was so cinematic, dream-like, and beautifully, beautifully written that I’ve gone back and read it out of context many times. Faulkner is a GOAT.

[@babytuckoo]

I agree on its cinematic qualities - for whatever reason, it’s the only chapter during which I imagined the characters’ faces

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@adrianj7015]

Agreed

[@mandala4240]

One of the best channels on KZbin, always guaranteed a wholesome fix. I send you many immaterial blessings.

[@LeafbyLeaf]

Congrats on the move to WA! You’ve been reading some prime literature here lately, my friend.

[@Neat0_o]

You’re honestly the best book review channel on KZbin. Know that, feel that, and keep that passion for as long as you can. Hopefully it’s a full lifetime.

[@evelynmayton470]

agree 100%

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@janettmusic]

Loved that book! The different characters perspectives were the most fun of all. And this "comic relief" character was so lovable with his constant questions to Darl

[@viniciusoliveira5214]

I took your advice and this was my first Falkner. I've just finished it this morning and I really enjoyed it! Definitely my favorite chapter was Addie's. How sincere she was! Thank you very much for this review

[@Crowborn]

Just as i was starting to miss you. This channel is an inspiration, thank you so much for your work. Faulkner never disappoints.

[@Hitithardify]

Always happy to see another Faulkner review. Keep up the great work.

[@musicfilmhead9051]

I've been wanting to get into Faulkner, and this sounds like the perfect introduction. Thanks for the awesome review.

[@glen4511]

I enjoy your reviews. I once lived on the third floor above the Faulkner house at Pirate's Alley. Keep on doing good.

[@ethandull6770]

I love seeing your channel evolve, improve, and increase my hunger for books since 5 years ago when I first subscribed to your channel. Keep up the great work brother

[@stefanosgambati5890]

The book that inspired me to write my first - and so far only - screenplay. One of my favorite novels.

[@estebanb7166]

Working title?

[@klausmaccus4397]

@@estebanb7166 "While I stand living"

[@estebanb7166]

@@klausmaccus4397 Thank you, Klaus. Well played.

[@stefanosgambati5890]

“Bestiary”

[@Armistice_]

Interesting. I've been meaning to start reading Faulkner's work as he was one of the major influences of my favorite writer: Gabriel Garcia Marquez. They both won the Nobel, and apparently, their books are fairly similar. Great review!

[@klausmaccus4397]

Do it! Faulkner is my favorite writer. Read As I Lay Dying and then Absalom Absalom. You will not regret it. The man was special.

[@metube7332]

I wouldn't say their styles are similar at all but they are both absolutely some of the best writers I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Very different vibes and atmospheres but identical outcome: damn near perfection.

[@jungastein3952]

Faulkner's life was a struggle to keep the proverbial lights on. He and his wife were spendthrift. His bio is full of hardship, work, misery in relationships, drinking, petty spitefulness, quarrels with his spouse. It was a hard book to finish. I read Parini's bio. I think it was called One Magnificent Time or like that. Faulkner is a favorite of mine. I have read about fifteen of his novels and the collected stories. The stories are keys. Go Down Moses and Flags in the Dust are my favorites, but I like just about everything F wrote. He is often compared to Macarthy. The POVs of the two could not be more different. Faulkner is very communally minded while C.M.'s characters live in a world all their own.

[@adamhasideas6813]

@ Linville Wiles, of the 15 Faulkner books and novels that you have read, was one of them "A Fable"? I just finished reading it last night, but you don't see much discussion of it, despite the fact that it won a Pulitzer. It was frankly a tough read and not that satisfying. I was blown away by "As I Lay Dying", but not all Faulkner is at that high level, at least for me.

[@floridaman6982]

Reading sound and fury now. Enjoyed this one so much, the multiple points of view is my favorite element. Wish I had this writing style for every story! I also enjoy an element of insanity coming from the narrator, idk why but it always makes the out there events seem more believable and you don’t know if you can trust their word on how things unfold.

[@marysalmon2367]

Thank you, read As I lay dying and Absalom Absalom, without your critique and explanation doubt I would have read them. Currently reading the peregrine. As a hawk watcher, finding it beyond intriguing. Recently reread City of the Plains, and at the end was crying. Again.

[@ethanfleisher1910]

The "my mother is a fish" chapter changed my life forever. I'm not exaggerating. Read this goddamn masterpiece in 10th grade and didn't sleep. I had not known great literature until that night

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@Bill0righ1s]

@@thatkid6908Thats wild lol

[@dcmom9997]

Thanks!

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

My pleasure. Thank you very much for your kind support!

[@xendlies]

Happy to see this book get some more attention, definitely in one of my all time favorites. Im also currently reading Light in August and them im officially done with Faulkner, great reads!

[@benjones4389]

Another great review! As I lay dying is on my list. I just finished Dostoevsky’s ‘The Idiot’, I found it both utterly astounding and gripping, and at times... tedious. Would love to see you review it sometime. Keep up the amazing work !

[@RB939393]

My theory for why Cliff moves so much is that he's being chased by a malevolent spirit

[@williamneal9076]

More so his partner, but we digress...he is WRITING still, and we contain our selves barely for the work to finally emerge. Write On, Mr. Clifford, wherever your head may call itself 'headspace' or bombas foot coverings or pillowcube may lay the noggin. We adore the.

[@mattbrown3091]

Ah, the literary Arthur Shelby strikes again. Keep up these bloody fantastic reviews my friend.

[@thatkid6908]

Hey did you read the book and willing to write and essay? I’ll pay

[@iameternalsunshine]

he really does resemble Arthur hahah

[@iameternalsunshine]

@@thatkid6908 do your homework kiddo

[@angelasilvaandrade9900]

Hey! Greetings from Brazil! Thank you so much for sharing this review. It will save my Wednesday presentation at college. I had to subscribe in this channel haha I loved it :)

[@brucesabatoni3410]

Thanks for this review! I’m subscribed!

[@AlanElAlan1996]

Read “Sobre Héroes y Tumbas” by Ernesto Sabato! It is known to be the best argentinian novel of the 20th century.

[@allesvergaengliche]

Great book. Gets even better with subsequent reads.

[@bluebaboon6382]

Been hoping for this review, thank you

[@ianp9086]

This is my favourite Faulkner (but I haven’t read Absalom), Light in August runs it close but it wins for the intensity - a plot that can be told in one sentence but a book that contains so much.

[@klausmaccus4397]

Read Absalom Absalom ASAP. It absolutely blew my mind page after page. It's insanely great and I would have to rank it just a hair better than As I Lay Dying. I need to read Light In August. It's that good, huh?

[@michaelgarza8271]

@@klausmaccus4397 I don't think Light in August is anywhere near As I Lay Dying or Absalom Absalom or The Sound and the Fury. I could be wrong. I was put off by LIA.

[@klausmaccus4397]

@@michaelgarza8271 Good to know. Have you read any of his lesser known novels? The Reivers? The Hamlet? Sanctuary?

[@michaelgarza8271]

@@klausmaccus4397 Considering the greatness of William Faulkner, I want to make sure not to mislead any potential readers. I might have been in a bad state when I read Light in August. I would like to read everything of his. I have heard great things about Go Down, Moses, especially "The Bear." I did read Sanctuary. I definitely think it's worth reading. It almost seems like David Lynch might have been inspired by it. No spoilers, but I'm thinking of Blue Velvet. I'm glad for this review on an astounding book by this terrifying writer.

[@edward6011]

@@klausmaccus4397 During my college days in Santa Cruz (back in the mid 90s), I was bored and I strolled into a used bookstore and asked "can you recommend a good book". Lo and behold, he handed me Absalom Absalom. It was the greatest novel I had ever read.

[@ihab2002ahmad]

Have you ever thought about reading 2018 nobel prize winner Olga Tokarczuk? I tried reading the book of Jacob because the premise seemed really cool but I dropped it 200 pages in (it's around 1000 pages) because nothing happened. But I think you might like it. The 2019 nobel prize winner Peter Handke is not good. I tried reading "The goalie's anxiety at the penalty kick" but it was the worst book I've ever read. It's essentialy miscommunication: the book. He didn't deserve the nobel prize.

[@myblackcoffin]

Thanks a lot for the review. I was postponing this one for a while, but now I'll grab that asap.

[@WhaleMilk]

This is my absolute favorite book of all time. And while I disagree with this being the most accessible Faulkner novel (Light in August takes that title imo) it definitely is one of the greatest of his works and is a good starting place. This book is dense beyond belief, even though it's relatively easy to read and kind of slim. This book has so much to analyze and is so gorgeously written that it definitely benefits from multiple rereads. One of the things I'm absolutely baffled you didn't cover is the purpose of Vardaman seeing his mother as a fish, which is possibly my favorite thing any author has ever done. Early in the book, Vardaman finds a dead fish in the river, and tries to show the family it. They promptly brush him off. But Vardaman gets obsessed with the fish, while also becoming obsessed with the box that Cash is building and his mother who isn't working as much as she usually would be. But Vardaman doesn't understand why she's like that, why Cash is making that box, because nobody has bothered to explain to him what death *is*. So Vardaman is left in the dark about why everything is so different. But, in five words, Faulkner shows us a young child making that connection, and learning what death actually is. When Vardaman says "My mother is a fish," he isn't making a metaphor, he is literally making an analogy. This fish I found is unmoving and lifeless, even though there are more in the river, still swimming, and my mother is in a box, unmoving, unworking, even though the rest of my family are, so therefor, my mother must be like this fish. My mother is a fish. By saying "My mother is a fish," Faulkner is showing us that connection Vardaman is making to understand the world around him, and is making that metaphorical connection. But Vardaman's head can't entirely process death, so he sticks with the fish analogy, which turns into more metaphors that demonstrate how a child might see the world, especially a child that is so mistreated and abused like Vardaman is. This book has so much to it, and the amount of analysis done on this book would make you think it's a tome the size of Ulysses, but it's not. It's a slim little thing that just shows how powerful Faulkner was as an author, that he could write these extremely deep themes and topics with so few words. The fact that he was able to describe a child learning what death was in five words still baffles me to this day. Anyways, wonderful review! Super cozy and fun to watch, definitely sticking around this channel from here on. Cheers!

[@noahhardie11]

Just started reading this yesterday, halfway through already! Faulkner is a rare kind of drug. Damn fine review.

[@klausmaccus4397]

A true genius in every sense of the word.

[@alexander6746]

Love you're reviews! And I'm still eagerly awaiting a review on either Sebald or Krasnahorkai!

[@sarahsmilesss1234]

I could listen to u talk all day 🖤

[@winskypinsky]

Light in August. Every August I read it. Unsettlingly beautiful.

[@jnbfilm56]

Just bought this book today. It wasnt so easy to get, since I'm in Colombia, but Im very excited to read it. Loved your review and love your content. Hope you read Crime and Punishment, my fav novel, the novel that inspired me to write.

[@Mai-Gninwod]

This book and The Sound and The Fury both just fermented my soul

[@AnnaArmellino]

THANK YOU FOR THIS REVIEW 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@FlashbackArrest]

Amazing review as usual. Funny too, the Hemingway bit haha. I highly recommend you Light in August. That's my favorite Faulkner. Have a good one 😌

[@lorenzoaguilar2403]

What a coincidence!!! I’m reading this book and I’m half through, this video it’s been helpful!! Thank you!

[@shanerand]

It’s been said but needs to be said again...Light in August is a MUST

[@evelynmayton470]

just reread it on the Faulkner on line book club.

[@messylittlegirl]

i love the moment of silence when he is looking for a word to describe the emotion a passage of the book gave to him and he just say EPIC

[@robertotrevinoiturbide9809]

Great review! I have always found Faulkner as a really hard to read author, but, at the same time, an extraordinary one. I loved As I Lay Dying as well as The Sound and the Fury. He inspired many latin american authors.

[@evelynmayton470]

first off, love your book reviews. I am a die hard Faulkner fan, belong to his William Faulkner on line book club. Curious your buzzard encounter. Faulkner was asked once what he would come back as and/or would wish to be. It was said he wanted to be a buzzard, no one bothered with them and they could eat whatever they wanted！ Your buzzard encouter was pretty special. Thank you for your reviews, we are currently reading Absalom in our book group, I hope you review soon. I shared your Faulkner review.

[@melekdhaouadi3980]

I am so happy to see this video!!

[@stevenbetz2041]

Fabulous review. Definitely following.

[@robotsfallingapart]

Hope you are well. Love the channel.

[@australopithecus]

This is my favorite Faulkner. I never really got into Hemingway: though I admired his style, I could never really relate to his macho vibe. Whereas Faulkner's cracked rural mystics, like Darl Bundren in this book, always spoke to me, growing up working class in the rural/suburban Midwest...

[@serfillustrated4018]

I read a little of The Sound and the Fury. But i watched the movie of As i lay Dying by Franco. One of the best movies ive ever seen. Cash and Dewey Dale are probably my favorite characters in the movie atleast. I still need to read the book. Im from the south and in my 40s now. But there is something about it that is hauntingly nostalgic. I don't know how to explain it but id go back to live in those times despite it being a harder life. Thank you for the review.

[@ginomorales8989]

Great review. Light in august is now waiting for you, and it is my favorite book of Faulkner, followed closely by Absalom, Absalom. It has a "normal" structure compared to the others, but has something so charming, so unique. Also, Sanctuary is pretty good.

[@opinion3742]

Intruder In The Dust is a must, as is the powerful Light In August.

[@McSpanty]

This is not my favorite book, but it may be the best that I've ever read.

[@darrenbrown8952]

Fantastic content as always. This was my first Faulkner, followed by The Sound and The Fury, and soon I'll be hitting Absalom! Absalom! (so actually the order you suggested). I absolutely adored this book - and also watched the brilliant lecture by Weinstein afterwards, which really enriched the experience. A masterclass in the art of concision, just so much genius crammed into a relatively short read. Loved the review, man. I would do terrible things to watch you review Moby Dick dude. In my top 3, next to Blood Meridian and Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Can't wait for the day!

[@barbarajohnson1442]

What is the title of the Weinstein lecture? I can't find it on KZbin, curious. There is a book by him in Audible... many thanks

[@interrogative2607]

I being a power plant worker listened to this while on night shift after some time considering taking up writing. How interesting!

[@sandyw38]

Your assessment of this American literary giant is so accurate and poignant. Sanctuary, Light in August, The Sound and the Fury, Absalom, in no particular order, are my favorites. Thank you for the review.

[@flamephlegm]

3:02 the review actually starts

[@fiscolorado656]

I should have looked for this 3:02 minutes before.

[@Vinicius_Augusto]

One thing about Anse is that you have to reread his motives and actions based on the final dialogue of the book

[@QueenYak]

Actual content of the analysis starts around 5:09, after we hear about his coffee cup

[@TheBookWorm1]

Love the soul patch, read Light in August next.

[@TheBookWorm1]

Also, great review. Where are my manners?

[@laurelweasel5836]

After watching this video, I definitely need to reread this! I remember loving it, did I even read it the first time?!

[@llllemomn]

you’re probably the coolest guy i know

[@TiagoMartins-yy6fx]

Hey Cliff I´m very curious in what would be your book recommendations for teens and young adults.

[@SGman3000]

Going to be brutally honest. The prose and story kept me very engaged throughout most of the book but I hate the last few chapters and the ending especially. Darl's descent into madness felt super rushed and Anse getting the last laugh just pissed me off to the Nth degree. It's probably part of the point but still.

[@ArchitectdaSilva]

There is a movie version of the book, often quoted as an unfilmable novel. It stars and is directed by James Franco.

[@felixlaliberte3593]

I really like your videos. You should review one of Milan Kundera's books.

[@matthiasg1360]

If you enjoyed the stream of consciousness style, check out "The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge" by Rainer Maria Rilke - he mastered it back in 1910. Would love to get your opinion on it!

[@joejs7659]

This one seems very interesting. Have you read it?

[@prognition970]

One of the greatest books of all time. What an amazing review! Thank you!

[@klausmaccus4397]

Completely agree but I did rate Absalom Absalom just a BIT higher.

[@leonardosaldanal.67]

You should try reading 'News From the Empire' by Fernando del Paso. It's great. (I don't know if the english translation is good, I hope so)

[@bigfat4172]

Damn lol, I just moved to Portland a few months ago. Was hoping I'd randomly run into you around here.

[@Thomas_Stearns_Eliot]

Great review as always. Now complete the Faulkner Grand Slam with Light in August. You’ve done the 3 difficult ones, I’d be interested to hear what you think of it.

[@klausmaccus4397]

I've read the three difficult ones and now I need to get to Light in August. How do you think it compares?

[@Thomas_Stearns_Eliot]

@@klausmaccus4397 I loved it and think it belongs on his list of great books. It has all the punch and rawness of the other three just packaged in a more linear fashion. You may miss the long streams of consciousness and shifts of time but all the usual motifs are present.

[@klausmaccus4397]

@@Thomas_Stearns_Eliot Awesome thanks I can't wait!

[@medionenterprises1756]

Bought many used books in New Orleans. The bookstores were amazing, although this was pre-flood.

[@juliaalvares7563]

I've always wanted to read Faulkner because he is Gabriel García Márquez's favorite writer

[@jackwalter5970]

My favorite book of all time.

[@johnnymonny8619]

Cliff tell me the brand of this leather jacket NOW!!!

[@me5ng3]

"With my ethiopian that I roasted" That got me for a sec

[@billieione]

I’ve lived in WA most of my life and have only ever seen one buzzard! Definitely a sign.

[@Driesketeer]

SOLD!

[@TheJudgeandtheJury]

Read this book as well, one of the best books out there.

[@baldanders]

this novel really left me feeling like there was no justice in it at all... I had such a sense of outrage and confusion. my first reading of Falkner and loved it

[@bobcabot]

you should go Nietzsche-style stache-wise (im kidding) or not, or you could do Zarathustra review-wise...

[@joejs7659]

Good book. My favorite from Nietzsche is “Antichrist”. Harsh humor, laughed my ass off. It was supposed to be first chapter of a large work, but death had his ticket before he came any further than antichrist.

[@avenbleak7280]

Do Moby-Dick. It's Cormac Mccarthy's favorite book.

[@laki74]

Now I know why Cliff gives away free books. Less weight for him to carry when he moves to a new state each month.

[@jasonmorgan5004]

Coffee time. 😃☕

[@2bsirius]

*Lying* on the bed dying. Sorry couldn't stop myself. I have a feeling that on my deathbed I will likely correct my doctor's grammar if he says, "Sorry, lady, but you're *laying* on that bed, dying." I'll have to croak up the correction, "No, sorry doc, I'm *lying* on this bed dying.

[@francescomanzo3939]

Do not joke about death.

[@jasonburleson9403]

You should really try Light in August next

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

New sub here! This is a great review, and I love it. I've been following your Channel for months now and I'm intrigued by your contents. I'm an author, and I would love to send you a physical copy of my book for some review. how do I go about that? How do you review your book?

[@kevinholland2094]

"...me and Lafe picked on down the row."😀

[@wabisabi7755]

Hottest book reviewer on KZbin.

[@BigItalian7]

Second time's the charm.

[@lordferretington7003]

It would be a blessing if you read Kolyma Stories from Varlam Shalamov. It is as comparable, and as fantastic, as the Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn.

[@Tom-rc7oy]

Agreed, amazing book

[@bensaylor9093]

It really is perfect

[@joshg9767]

Read Moby Dick.. More striking language, deeper philosophy, and although the hours of whale anatomy and the process of harvesting a whale are a slog to get through, the end will not leave you. "Oh God, that man should be a thing for immortal souls to sieve through."