This remains my all-time favorite Faulkner novel. Even the least astute literary critic can appreciate the multiple parallels between the main character and Christ. A reader will understand these characters, as Faulkner goes into their depths, giving feelings, reactions, and background information. One could almost guess how a given character would react in any situation. The language in this book, although still his typical stream-of-consciousness, isn’t as difficult to follow as in his other books.

I always recommend Light in August to people who say that Faulkner is impenetrable. Here the pages flow effortlessly by and the story line is easy to follow. There's none of the interior monologues that so confuse and derail those picking up the southern master for the first time. This plot is more traditional and will be readily appreciated by the average person.

Light in August, a novel about hopeful perserverance in the face of mortality, features some of Faulkner's most memorable characters: guileless, dauntless Lena Grove, in search of the father of her unborn child; Reverend Gail Hightower, who is plagued by visions of a Confederate horsemen; and Joe Christmas, a desperate, enigmatic drifter consumed by mixed ancestory.

This book was great the first time I read it and even better the second time around! If you haven't read Faulkner you must!

This was terrible. The language, as well as most of the story, was immoral (murder, prostitution, etc.). The writing, in many places, did not even make sense. It's as if Mr. Faulkner were attempting to write poetry and prose at the same time. (See the first paragraph of chapter six as a prime example.) Finally, the ending was worthless. After rambling through the book (rather than having a definite purpose), Faulkner did not leave the reader with a sense of finality, or even wanting more. He leaves the reader thinking, "Huh?"

Read All Book Reviews of "Light in August Vintage International"

Vintage Faulkner...

I believe I followed it ... although the connection of all the characters gets confusing at times. I can't wonder that there's deeper concepts than I can precieve on one reading.

Read All Book Reviews of "Light in August Vintage International"