As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

[Chili]

3*
Addie Bundren is dying. Her husband Anse has promised to bury her with her people in Jefferson. As son Cash builds her coffin, sons Darl and Jewel decide to take one more load for three dollars. They think they will be back before she dies. They don't make it. The family has to wait for the wagon to return before they can start the journey. The heavy rain washes the bridges out. They must cross the river at the old ford. This is a disaster, the mules drowned, Cash breaks his leg and they almost lose the coffin. This is just the start of their perilous trip that takes them days. People in town want them out of it because of the smell. There is family drama along the way with Dewey Dell and Darl. Addie is finally put to rest. The way this was written was hard to translate. It was written how southern country people talked. Hit was it, the writing had a southern accent.

[Diane]

I have yet to tackle Faulkner. This sounds like a perilous journey.

[Joi]

We read this in high school, and I think I was the only person who liked it. Definitely about time for a reread, but I'm a little nervous I will hate Faulkner's style now.

[AsimovsZeroth]

I keep forgetting to read this one. Thanks for the review.

[Tracy]

This was the book I liked best by Faulkner so far. That's not saying much, though. He's just not my thing.