Where To Start With William Faulkner

William Faulkner is a legend. The Nobel prize-winning Southern writer is considered notoriously difficult. Where to begin?
I discuss how I became obsessed with Faulkner's novels, and where I think the best and worst points of introduction are.
Books discussed:
A Rose For Emily
As I Lay Dying
Absalom, Absalom!
The Sound and the Fury
Light in August
The Hamlet
The Town
The Mansion

[@pondopondo1497]

Don't hate me but I think Faulkner's style is close to perfect for an audio version. If an actor catches the rhythm its fantastic to listen.

[@ManCarryingThing]

i would be interested to try that

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Hate? Why that? I'd rather read than listen, but a nice audio book can still be a great thing. Especially on the bus, train, car or on foot.

[@HappyMuffin]

I have tried a few audio books and if you don’t have the right people, it is just unlistenable. They are mostly unlistenable.

[@jimkessler6316]

The Random House audiobook of As I Lay Dying has a different voice actor for each POV character and is excellent! Also: Will Patton does an outstanding reading of Light in August. His cadence is perfect.

[@depressedtv]

The audiobook of The Hamlet is perfectly done. And it really helps grasp the comical tone in some parts.

[@iisaka_station]

I started with Absalom, Absalom in college. Book changed my life.

[@rumplestiltskins7590]

Was it as difficult as mentioned? I read as I lay dying a while ago but want to get into his other ones and Absalom Absalom sounded interesting.

[@chriswick7987]

@@rumplestiltskins7590 It is difficult, but it’s the most rewarding novel I’ve ever read. There comes a point in Absalom, Absalom when it sinks in, and I’ve never had a comparable satisfaction. I’ve read all of Faulkner’s major novels, and this one is astonishing. Especially when you read it the second time.

[@chriswick7987]

Any thoughts on A Fable? I read it once, a few years ago, and I’m about to read it again. I get the feeling it’s like Absalom, Absalom! Like the second and third time is when it sinks in

[@JalenZachhM]

@@chriswick7987 I read a A Fable almost two years ago and it wasn’t bad. It rambles on a lot and there are long chapters. I really like the structure though and I liked the ending. I don’t remember too much though! Haha

[@leeeorama]

​​@@rumplestiltskins7590bsalom was the first Faulkner that I ever read, and it just staggered and intoxicated me with its narrative virtuosity and Gothic, epic scope. By comparison, I hated Sound and the Fury.

[@jimmartin1803]

I started to read Faulkner in high school. Didn’t get it. Tried thru my twenty’s. Same thing. When I reached fifty, I reread sound and fury. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve read all his works since then along with commentaries and critiques.

[@adamhasideas6813]

JIm, way to persevere.!! Literature says so much about ourselves as it does the author!

[@connorcorn7309]

I read 'As I Lay Dying' in highschool and absolutely adored it, it changed the way I viewed books. I give all the credit to my excellent teacher, who got us to approach the book as a puzzle, having us have mini debates as to what was going on from chapter to chapter and getting us to read ahead to see if we were right. I understand it might not be the best starting place for most but with a great teacher it can be a riveting and profound read, even for a first time reader of Faulkner.

[@mattromero9797]

I too read “As I lay dying” my senior year in highschool. But only now I’m beginning to appreciate his work, and I recently finished “The Sound and the Fury”. Easily the most difficult literature I have ever read, but on re-reading, especially Benji’s and Quentin’s sections I think he pulled off a masterpiece of story telling. Teaching me to say FUCK YOU to the mere concept of time, is so therapeutic. I’m beginning to binge his content, so I just wanted to say I appreciate your video and look forward to checking out more on you channel!💯

[@ManCarryingThing]

I think we all ought to say FUCK YOU to the concept of time, lol. And thanks! Happy you enjoyed the video. Benjy's section in SatF is amazing to reread.

[@ChopinIsMyBestFriend]

look. i’ve read Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. I’m here for the long sentences. just picked up As I Lay Dying.

[@SuperDavi5]

If you want long, check out his Absolam Absolam! book

[@foodchewer]

Different kind of long sentence. Very different. Cormac's sentences are like long railroad tracks, Faulkner's are like winding, labyrinthine backroads with potholes.

[@ChopinIsMyBestFriend]

@@foodchewer Ya I hadn’t been as familiar with Faulkner. Only came to him because of Cormac but I see what you mean.

[@foodchewer]

@@ChopinIsMyBestFriend I hear you man, and my story is about the same. I think I enjoy reading McCarthy more for the most part, like Suttree for example, one of the funniest fucking books I've ever read. And also Blood Meridian is fascinating. But I think Faulkner's books are like puzzles that can be very rewarding and the mystery of not only the plot and characters pulls you in but the writing style too. Very different experiences but they're both worthwhile, for sure. I would say read Faulkner's short story collection if you're hungry for more.

[@foodchewer]

Oh and also did you finish AILD by now? I read it a while back and could not really get into it, so I forced myself through it. Curious to your thoughts on it

[@oraflocs]

Just picked off my shelf "the sound and the fury" and read Benjy's narrative (1/4) in a afternoon and absolutely fell in love with faulkner's writing. Not THAT difficult (try James joyce!). It just requires reader's full attention and patience. Nice vid, bro. Keep talking bout classics!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thanks!

[@crustywhitedog8724]

I'm starting with The Sound and the Fury whether you like it or not sorry bookboy

[@reaganwiles_art]

Excellent intro to Faulkner. Thank you. I had to read all of Faulkner to get it. The Collected Stories are essential. They worked like keys for the complete works.

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thank you!

[@LostinDiscovery]

I love your editing style man. I've never read any Faulkner but I'm enjoying your videos on all topics so this was a great introduction for me!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thank you! Glad to hear it -- he's an amazing writer!

[@andre99249]

I started with "The Sound and the Fury" and now I'm reading "Absalom, Absalom!" and the long paragraphs are hard. He starts saying something then he changes and then he opens another parenthesis and 5 pages after he'll return to that first thought and then you have to go back to understand what the fuck he's saying hahaha I personally love this because it forces the reader's attention, you can't simply read Faulkner without paying attention. Other difficulties I'd say he doesn't really define who's talking or who he's talking about so you kinda have to decipher who's the narrator and who's the narrator is talking about. And sometimes we're reading and then he says "But then Wash Jones appeared" and it's hilarious because we as first-time readers have no idea who the fuck is Wash Jones but he's talking like he was presented before I love these moments. It's obviously a book to be read at least twice in a row because most of it won't make sense until you have the whole picture, the way he goes back and forth in time is another confusing aspect but I think here in "Absalom" it's a lot easier if compared to the "Sound and the Fury" because he gives you a lot of dates throughout and then you go and organize the puzzle. Anyway love his writing and the way he structures the story in a way it's hard but you can't stop reading to see what happens and obviously very profound themes.

[@goimond3947]

Great video. In one of his interviews, Faulkner suggested The Unvanquished as a good book to start with because he said it was the easiest to read. Light in August is really the greatest. Of his short stories, I think Barn Burning and Dry September are the good ones to start with.

[@ManCarryingThing]

Have yet to read the Unvanquished, though I am looking forward to it

[@theopenmouth9695]

"Light in August is really the greatest" someone isn't sutpenpilled

[@jan_Travis]

I found the Unvanquished at a Goodwill and brought it home. It was so good and so beautifully written about the Southern perspective of the Civil War. About what your home is etc. SPOILER: I cried when Granny died. She was a badass.

[@moonlightiguana]

I agree with what you say about "A Rose for Emily" which is all I am able to offer my students these days. I read "Absalom, Absalom!" first and Thomas Sutpen remains the most memorable character in all of Faulkner to me, but, having taught Faulkner to both high schoolers and college freshmen, I would recommend reading "Barn Burning" first, then "The Hamlet" for a more straightforwardly narrative reading experience. "The Sound and the Fury" is the penultimate culmination of his modernist narrative approach to story-telling. "As I Lay Dying" is the best example of Faulkner's tragi-comic style and the post(?)ultimate example of his cubist style of narration.

[@philipl8989]

Absolutely agree with Light in August as a good start. An easier read than some other works. Enjoyable and gripping

[@OverdriveTech]

Loved the video! We were assigned to watch your video as our homework, so I guess you can be proud of it. Production quality is top notch!

[@j.goebbels2134]

After 5+ readings, my only regrets about The Sound and the Fury are: 1) Waiting so long to read it for the first time, and 2) Never can I read it again for the first time :(

[@deelak2329]

I'm 20 percent of the way through Light In August and I am in love. Immediately went to the book store and bought The Sound and the Fury and yes, it is different, but there is still something magical about it but in a different way

[@deelak2329]

Addendum: As Faulkner has Quickly become my favourite author, I couldn't help myself, so I purchased Absalom... (Wasnt easy to find) and As I Lay Dying. At this rate, I'm going for the full collected works. Lol.

[@Cakewalkingbaby]

@@deelak2329after reading Light in August I also went and bought another 4 books; have already 3 on my bookshelf waiting to be read still😊

[@SandrasLibrary]

The way you talk about Faulkner makes me want to revisit him. Another interesting video!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thanks Sandra!

[@wijnandveneberg9234]

I started out with As I Lay Dying, which was a fantastic introduction to Faulkner for me. Then I tried The Sound and the Fury. I had to put it down for a while, but managed to pick it up again later and I did finish it. It was a great read, but I wouldn’t recommend starting with that one, I think it is the most demanding, even more so than Absalom Absalom!. I would recommend starting either with Light in August or AILD. After that you’ll be hooked, at least that was my experience. Then just continue with Sanctuary, The Unvanquished, Absalom, Absalom!, it’s all brilliant stuff. Faulkner is probably the best writer I know of. The Hamlet is definitely on my to read list.

[@Abe3610]

Super insightful. I usually don’t read too many fictional books but these videos/podcast really makes me wanna start

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thanks Abe! That's awesome

[@ShipwreckedLibrary]

I feel like I've heard of this Faulkner guy but I wonder where...........................(my english teacher scared me so much) I actually haven't read any Faulkner, but I do want to. This video was really insightful too!! You're nailing these sit down and talk videos.

[@ManCarryingThing]

Honestly, thank you. I was worried if I'd say anything useful, or just ramble endlessly. Faulkner is seriously worth a shot!

[@FatherJohnCarmody]

I went to a continuation school meant for bad kids so I was never forced to read anything really. As I lay Dying was my first Faulkner I read and I did it on my own and its still one of my favorite books ever.

[@alexhopewell449]

The footchase/bicycle chase at the climax of Light in August is my favorite action scene in literature.

[@MythicMethod]

As I Lay Dying was a major milestone for me. I've been an avid reader as long as I can remember, but As I lay Dying was like opening a door. Like you, I had it as assigned reading in high school. About midway through, something just clicked and I could not put it down. I finished it that night. Even though I was reading a wide variety of other things on my own at that point, it was hard to believe what he was doing... how different, new (to me), and exciting it was. I mark it as the moment when I began to love novels that made me work harder, that truly rewarded me for reading more closely.

[@MrUndersolo]

A friend could not believe that I read his work - Absalom! Absalom! & Light In August - and liked them. He makes demands that do not always match up with the modern reader. But he is worth it!

[@OccamsRazor393]

Love Faulkner's work. Even though some can be challenging his rhythm is amazing.

[@ravnaroks6469]

I'm glad for this video bc im reading a book rn thats so beautiful and good and crazy that I can't put it down and I almost don't want to keep reading it bc i don't want it to end. It sounds a little stupid but I think I needed to know that there were other great works of literature out there, so that I could take joy in finishing this beautiful book and know that it wouldn't be the end of great literature. Thank you for the video, Mr Man.

[@archibaldovtich8681]

Flem Snopes embodying capitalism, and we subtly learn (it is almost implict), that he is impotent. Oh the symbolism... I've discovered Faulkner a year ago with the (briliant) French translation of The Sound and the Fury and have read about half of his books since. Never have I been addicted to any author like that.

[@ericmcgarrh7551]

I started with Sanctuary. I'm currently reading The Sound and The Fury. I am on part 2 and it's a tough read compared to Benjy's narrative. So far, though it's a hard read, I'm loving it. I feel like to start with Sanctuary was a lot more accessible compared to what I'm currently reading.

[@ljfischer3316]

The Sound and the Fury 100% changed my life. Faulkner is genius! I nodded along w your video the whole time. Thanks for this! Excited to read more

[@SophiaClef]

My first one was "As I Lay Dying", then I was forced to read "The Sound and the Fury" and I'm even more intimidated...Someday I'll get back to him. Nice video!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thank you! And I hope so, it's definitely worth it!

[@Momin_Azam]

Hearing you talk about Faulkner convinced me to pick up “As I Lay Dying”; can’t wait to read it!

[@marquartdoty867]

I started with Light in August in 10th grade and loved it. Also---love to see Invisible Man on someone else's bookshelf!!

[@YourEverydayNerd]

I had to read The Sound and the Fury in high school and I absolutely adored it. I still need to read more from him, cause I know that he'd be one of my favorite writers, I just haven't had the time. I'm definitely gonna prioritize that soon though. Great video man!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thank you! Yeah, check out Light in August if you haven't

[@YourEverydayNerd]

@@ManCarryingThing Gonna move it up on the reading list!

[@briancollins1296]

It's his last novel, and a bit of context is lost from not having prior experience with Yoknapatawpha County, but The Reivers is very "readable" by Faulkner's standards. It's uncharacteristically optimistic, high-energy, and the prose is pretty easy to digest. It's one of my personal favorites, but then my favorite of Faulkner's is Absalom, Absalom, which is like... his most difficult lol.

[@HappyMuffin]

The first book I read by him was The Sound and the Fury. I read it 8 times in a row until it made sense. I was in love at 15. As I Lay Dying came next and still makes me laugh out loud, because it is so morbidly hilarious. I don’t agree with you, but we all absorb and enjoy things differently. I really want to go to the Faulkner conference about his modernism in less than 2 weeks. I just spent the whole weekend in Oxford. Today marks 60 years since his tragic death in a sanitarium. I visited the site on Monday. It was heart wrenching. He died a tragic death, but he left us with beautiful work and an example to learn from.

[@lydiaweber5751]

I started with The Sound and the Fury and absolutely loved it. Still looking for where to go next...(the only other Faulkner I read is A Rose for Emily).

[@Nick-qf7vt]

From what I've heard, if you can understand Sound and the Fury, then go ahead and dive right into Absalom, Absalom. As I Lay Dying, The Reivers, and Light In August are easier to understand.

[@adamhasideas6813]

In high school, we had to read "A Rose For Emily", didn't have too much reaction to that. In college I struggled with "The Sound and the Fury". Then I read "As I Lay Dying" and suddenly I got Faulkner, I really enjoyed that story and understood the characters really well. A good short story to start with for Faulkner is "Two Soldiers", it is easy to comprehend and it is a smart, sometimes humorous story of the way two brothers relate to the coming of WWII. I just finished "A Fable", which was difficult. I had made it halfway through ":Absalom, Absalom", so I'm going to go back and finish that.

[@JalenZachhM]

A Fable was hard but I thought it was rewarding and I remember liking it. Pretty long though.

[@adamhasideas6813]

@@JalenZachhM I'm not sure I understood "A Fable" the way that Faulkner wanted me to understand it. Probably won't reread it though.

[@JalenZachhM]

@@adamhasideas6813 me neither. it was really hard. it was kind of long-winded & I kind of got lost. The whole nameless character thing is really unusual too

[@adamhasideas6813]

@@JalenZachhM Yes, I was glad that I read "A Fable" but it was by no means easy reading, Faulkner does not make it easy to get into this book.

[@joeblow9657]

Thanks for this vid. I really liked The Sound and The Fury but I didn't like As I Lay Dying (found it lacked a real plot and the point of view stuff was way too experimental for me just due to all the different characters). I'm reading and loving Absalom, Absalom! right now and I plan to keep reading Faulkner's works over time. FWIW, I found the Sound and the Fury to be a great first start if you just want to jump in to it. It really relies on the ideas of the rural south but is still very modernist in it's point of view writing style. As a general rule I think you should always try to read online chapter summaries for Faulkner's books as his writing style sometimes leads to very subtle mentions of really important plot points that are very easy to miss.

[@Bachback]

Years ago I listened to a brilliant audiobook version of Light in August. The narrator was able to speak in the voice of each character. So Light in August is a very good place to start.

[@zachary4725]

I found a copy of liht in August in a bookstore nearby and picked it up thanks to your video. I've been enjoying it so far, so thank you

[@lesgoe8908]

Never been able to read Faulkner, but I really enjoyed your articulate enthusiasm. I own some of his books "for that day" -- maybe I'll take a look. Thank you for posting.

[@sleepyowl76]

The mention of very long side tangents at about 4:40 very much reminded me of Herodotus, the Histories is almost entirely made up of a long series of side tangents and anecdotes and miscellaneous stuff Herodotus found interesting and it paradoxically makes for an extremely engaging read

[@cabecadevento6503]

I sure hope this guy keeps making videos about books!

[@gastondeveaux3783]

This is a great commentary. I have read a handful of his books and you put into words exactly what I feel. At its best Faulkners writing takes flight in a poetic way, but it's not for everyone. If James Patterson is your type of "literature", this is on the other end of the spectrum.

[@voiceofreason2674]

The line between garrulous and profound is not thin but its nearly invisible and being able to capture it in speech let alone writing is rare

[@MorrowSind]

I read Go Down Moses. I had to do a little work, like go online and find a family chart, so I knew who he was talking about, the where and the when... But, the book was good and worth the invested research. I watched chapter summaries too on KZbin after I read each chapter to get a better understand. That helped. There's a little bit of cipher in the book's work that sometimes I would miss. I'd like to read more of Faulkner's work at some point. Great video. Thanks for the advice.

[@JalenZachhM]

Chose to read the Sound and the Fury after some surface level research about it for a summer AP English project. It was great and then I read Light in August, then the Reviers, then Absalom, Sanctuary, Intruders in the Dust, Requiem for a Nun, a Fable, and have skimmed around a lot of his other works. I have almost every novel of his in my collection!

[@WhaleMilk]

I am a staunch believer of the idea that there is never an all around "good" place to start with any author. The best place to start with an author is the work that sounds most interesting to you. If you want to start with Absalom, Absalom or A Fable, go right on ahead. You know your tastes best, and if you do your due diligence in researching the works of an author such as Faulkner, and you know exactly what you're getting into, then start wherever you damn please. That's going to hook you faster than any recommendation a Faulkner fanatic can give. I will say though that there is an advantage to slowly easing your way into Faulkners harder works. I personally think that if somebody wants to do that, then your best order is going to be Light in August, As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and then Absalom, Absalom!. By the time you've read Absalom, you've pretty much read the hardest Faulkner gets, and you can take on almost all of his works from there, maybe with the exception of A Fable because that book is *kicking my ass* right now

[@bigstronggame1]

I’ve owned his complete works for a while but dived back in recently with Go Down, Moses. Haven’t read his work since high school, and after reading the first section, I had to stop, read a synopsis and reread bits. That’s the thing that I love and hate about Faulkner, which I forgot about until now-you have to focus intensely on the words, but surrender to the rhythm.

[@drougget5930]

Really good talk! like you Said the rythm and sentences are everything. I read Faulkner like I would read Ginsbergs poem ”Howl” it dosent have to make sence it just kinds is what it is.

[@dreadee5757]

As I Lay Dying and a Rose for Emily live rent free in my head. I love his long ass sentences.

[@FantasyTalk]

What you mentioned about Faulkner beginning a thought and then “but...” is Robert Jordan as well, I think that’s what pulled me through the books was needing to get to the end of each butt

[@ManCarryingThing]

Hahaha yeah, I can definitely see that. There's a kind of breathlessness, like he can't stop for ONE second to let you catch up

[@FantasyTalk]

@@ManCarryingThing I think it’s a good thing even though it can be annoying sometimes

[@godfunk]

Just now diving into Faulkner. Pleased as punch he got the MCT treatment!

[@ironyage]

Flannery O'Connor recommended As I Lay Dying and Miss Lonelyhearts as good starter books for gothic/grotesque literature. Miss Lonelyhearts was so fast and wild, I loved it. Then I tried to read As I Lay Dying on and off for 15 years. And I got to the last chapter, and I realized it was a comedy.

[@Liopot68]

I started with "Sanctuary" and I must say, since English isn't my mother-tongue, I struggled like mad - owing in part to the fact that I had to look up in the dictionary about 20 words per page. However, the style and the atmosphere supported my interest till the end of the novel. I could have read a translation, but as the idiom says "translator - traitor". I agree with a previous comment, Faulkner should be read aloud to really appreciate the musicality of the language.

[@Cc07]

I was about 13 and in strange time where my parents were kinda ovspending or gambling ig in Vegas, got a limo for the night. I was not about the nonstop schmoozing so I waited outside in the warm weather and nice city sounds compared to burbs. The limo driver sat with me and mostly talked about politics.. He said I was the smartest girl he ever talked to lol and he opened his trunk and handed me sound and fury which became one of my faves. I was already a bookworm but I couldn’t afford a lot of books, library was too far to walk and school didn’t have shit. So I’ve only read a handful.. I always prefer a tangible book than digital or audio even if it’s cheaper sometimes. Your reviews are hilarious and making me wish for that big book collection again. It’s nice to hear him get more credit cause as you said, half of what they teach in school on some famous authors is rarely their best work but just what garnered notoriety. I’m curious to hear your opinion on palahniuk? It’s a different style but a friend gave me a lot of their books and it’s been addictive, the last one I got half through was damned. My first was lullaby and diary followed by fight club. Everyone’s fave seems to be survivor or invisible monsters.

[@sleepyowl76]

I read The Sound and the Fury last October and just couldn’t get into it, one of those where you can tell you’re reading a masterpiece but just don’t have the capacity to really understand it yet. Now I’m reading Ulysses and I’m finding the stream of consciousness stuff much more accessible in that, so maybe I’ll have to come back to The Sound and the Fury sometime soon and potentially get more out of it

[@brianwolle2509]

ABSOLUTELY -well, give it a shot... the republished version of sartoris with its original title and all the removed stuff put back in and it is called FLAGS IN THE DUST. i am reading a ripped-up copy, but i cannot put it down. it is THE introduction to yoknapatawpha county and a lot of characters who will show up again in other books. you can read it drunk or sober. it is not difficult but it sure is loaded with interesting people places ocurrences... it is just dynamite. give it a shot. america's greatest author. worth a read.

[@lorenzosivilotti1791]

Of the four Faulkner books I own (none of which I have read) fully three are included in the Where NOT To Start: Sanctuary, The Sound and the Fury, and As I Lay Dying. Light in August it is, then!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Lol sometimes that's the way it is. But if you are drawn to any one more than another, go with your gut!

[@jan_Travis]

Point and case taken when he said to start wherever you want. Why should I read a whole Author's discography before I get into the book I'm most interested in? If you're confused I think that's the beauty. I started with David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest and I'm glad I did. I hope to read more of him one day.

[@klink180]

For my final literature class in college, we had to read a novel from one of the authors we had read works of and write an analysis of it, and I just randomly chose Sanctuary. I think around 20-30 pages in, I realized I made a big mistake since I was not really enjoying it. I had to use an audio reading to help get through it and then really scramble to figure out what to say. It's one of those papers I don't remember writing, and in turn, the book is something I don't remember anything about. I may have to try giving it a go again someday since I still have my copy of it, but maybe I'll try some of the ones you recommend here first.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

The average High School student mostly don’t have the life experiences or skills to analyze a Faulkner novel. My first was AILD and didn’t care for it. When I did Snopes I fell down the rabbit hole.

[@ManCarryingThing]

I had the exact same experience -- I had no idea what to make of AILD in high school, lol. But Snopes was exactly what turned me into a raving fan. The best of Faulkner is on display: the humor, the tragedy, the horror

[@markdavidofficial4274]

I read The Sound and the Fury, scared of the weirdness. Absolutely my favorite book I read this year

[@JPH1138]

Everyone says 'Don't start with Absalom, Absalom'? I picked it up second-hand at a sale, just seeing it and thinking "oh yeah, it's by that famous American author". And I thought it was one of the best books I've ever read. (Sure the first chapter was rough but that book has a brilliant structure)

[@alicedeligny9240]

I read Go Down Moses. Haven't yet continued on reading Faulkner but I want to get a copy As I Lay Dying Now to go on.

[@ItsTooLatetoApologize]

Just read As I Lay Dying and it didn’t really speak to me. I really like McCarthy though, so I’m going to keep going. I really appreciate his different approach to telling a story though. He definitely decided to go his own way, didn’t he?

[@adrianhenriquez3415]

I think when it comes to Faulkner, you should start with The Old Man and The Sea

[@iameternalsunshine]

That's Hemingway!! although I agree with that statement hahah

[@lesonyrra]

Just finished The Mansion. Damnation.

[@MrKeytarist]

I started with absolomb absolomb on audiobook and it did almost kill me, but it was worth it

[@winskypinsky]

Light in August. I read it every August. As Shelby Foote said “If you read Light in August enough, you’ll see how he does it.”

[@Oxfordmonument]

Love Shelby Foote!

[@hansolo989]

The Unvanquished was my starter and I highly recommend it

[@ram666zy]

Ayo great video my dude keep it up

[@ManCarryingThing]

Thanks!

[@Daniel-tm9fg]

The Sound and the Fury is a tough one, even tougher than Moby Dick, especially for a non-native English speakers. After 20 pages I felt like lost in the middle of a forest, had to pause reading the book and do some research and read a commentary, and only after doing some homework I was able to resume with moderate success. It's a torture to read, having said that, I enjoyed philosophical meditations on the subject of time.

[@Mancheguache]

Just read Light in August....it makes Joyce's Ulysses seem superficial. Amazing read

[@GreggMikulla]

His books are so piled with symbols and motifs that it takes about a year of picking and shoveling to get to the point. Im reading Light In August right now, and I almost feel like Im reading a southern gothic Ulysses.

[@AnnHolt]

Part of a small group reading 24 of Faulkner's Collected Short Stories as our introduction. I plan to share some of your comments. Thanks for some great insights!

[@BobJones-dq9mx]

A light in August..the best! You may want to start with "The Rievers". A great comedy that is funny!

[@lu.luxxie]

Reading Light in August for my American Novel seminar and I definitely feel weird and creeped out by Joe Christmas' story 😭 the start with Lena made me think it was gonna be an On the Road sort of novel. Almost stopped reading cause honestly I was getting uncomfortable. But I'm gonna push through, reading this novel in two weeks is a fun little challenge 😭 lol

[@cormacgreene8505]

Absolam Absolam was a brilliant book. I think his best.

[@teddydog6229]

So correct me if I'm wrong but even if I don't understand who's talking or what they're talking about I should just forge ahead ? And while calling myself a horror fan is limiting I do love dark literature. I absolutely loved 'The Accursed' by Joyce Carol Oates and find horror everywhere in Flannery O'connor who I've read and reread. Knowing that is there a Faulkner book you'd recommend Sanctuary was what was recommended to me. Two more questions if you have the time. I'm sure it's wise to avoid novels by rock musicians have you read 'And the Ass Saw the Angel' by Nick Cave ? Faulkner appears in nearly each blurb on the cover and admit I'm curious to read it. Last of all - all the Huey Long stuff set aside - is All the King's Men a good read ? 'Great Literature for Horror Fans' would be a topic I'd love to see. If not by you than anyone.

[@ManCarryingThing]

For Faulkner, I say forge ahead. After a chapter you can go online and see if you got everything, but in the moment its best to just wait for the information to come to light. Haven't heard of the Nick Cave book, but I'll check it out soon. And I haven't read All The King's Men, but I've read some of Warren's poetry which I liked!

[@teddydog6229]

@@ManCarryingThing After I sent you this post I read the first three pages of 'Kings Men' and liked the flow of it. And thanks to your upload I ordered 'Light In August' , 'The Sound and the Fury, 'Absalom, Absalom' and his trilogy. I won't let his reputation scare me off and just charge right on ahead. As a fan of the darker side of fiction I feel confident Faulkner won't let me down !

[@GreggMikulla]

Advice - I got accustomed to long sentences through Proust. Read 'Sodom And Gomorrah', which is a book from 'In Search Of Lost Time'. If you can master his sentences, Faulkner's will seem like darts.

[@miguelrucoba]

in high school, I referred to him as William Fuckner. His incomprehensible dribble was something I could not stand. If one were to write they he did in high school, they would fail. We just give him a pass because of who he is.

[@crowdofdissidents155]

Wish I had read Faulkner in high school

[@Sirrajj]

Nice, Faulkner seems interesting

[@tylerharrell9862]

I just started the Sound and the Fury... For fun, but I wish I had watched this first. I'll probably jump around and circle back like a Falkner sentence.

[@Reikianolla]

I love your stuff my dude but the single though on top of my mind, always, when listening to your videos, is your voice which sounds like it's JUST barely not crying, like you're holding back tears.

[@nicholassullivan1239]

I love it, the schizophrenic leaning.... Absolutely brilliant, as I age.... I more appreciate his writing. More than Hemingway Or Fitzgerald.

[@robertoinzunzamorales1844]

The firsr book i read from faulkner was sanctuary, was easy but weird at the same time

[@nicholassullivan1239]

I just want to include, I think/feel that Faulkner transcends his time.... Like, dude dropped bombs.

[@lucasjones3338]

Another question: Where to start with Paolini? The answer is Eragon. You should read it.

[@benjaminblancodirusso2671]

should i start with soldies play...? what do you all think (i would read it translated; english is not my first language)

[@playingwithdimethylcadmium2766]

I don't get the interesting thing about book's, but I've enjoyed books before, so I guess I'll try.

[@kamilziemian995]

I'm from Poland and I'm trying to decide now, should I spent time reading such American author as William Faulkner? Because he is judged as one of the top novelists of XXth century, but at the same time, American literature is quite hard to grasp to me. Does anyone have some advice?

He may be difficult, but to someone from Poland, try to see the Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, aspect in Faulkner. Good luck with the reading.

[@kamilziemian995]

@ Thank you, that is interesting point of view.

[@suf3799]

Yes surely do. Start with Light in August, that's my top 5 book of all time. It's sad and wonderful.

[@kamilziemian995]

@@suf3799 Thank you. If I start with Faulkner I will probably choose "Light in August" as the first novel.

[@ElijahStormblessed]

Yeah I had to read A Rose for Emily for English class this year. It was... It was pretty meh imo.

[@ManCarryingThing]

Not my favorite short story of his. I prefer Barn Burning and Spotted Horses

[@strikingdiscussion5263]

My biggest advice when contemplating where to start with Faulkner is: read Hemingway instead

[@WillieMcDuffle]

Go down , Moses!

[@gonzopram725]

Faulkner vs Hemingway? I wanna hear everyone’s thought so even if your a watcher give me your thoughts!

[@ManCarryingThing]

Faulkner has more range, but I love them both! This would honestly be a fun video topic

[@anneth7154]

@@ManCarryingThing I think you and Daniel Greene could totally do a debate. I know he is a hard Hemingway stan.

[@brianwolle2509]

hemingway aint no slouch but bill f is so deep. faulkner creates atmosphere so dense, you think you are actually there. he even knows the names of the trees.

[@thomaspynchon1868]

Faulkner. No debate.

[@manwithnoname8229]

I prefer McCarthy over both

[@kobecissell3425]

I’m actually related to him and Henry Lawrence Faulkner

[@rothloaf1980]

Faulkner became easier to read for me when I started reading him with Foghorn Leghorn's voice for the southern tone, then acted like Foghorn was near blackout drunk for the pacing.