Absalom, Absalom!

by William Faulkner
Absalom, Absalom! cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 4671
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780099475118
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Absalom, Absalom! delves into the complex and haunting history of the Sutpen family, as narrated through multiple perspectives. The novel is known for its intricate narrative structure and deep psychological exploration of its characters, particularly the enigmatic Thomas Sutpen. Set in the antebellum and post-Civil War South, it grapples with themes of race, class, and the inescapable weight of the past. /n/n William Faulkner's masterpiece is celebrated for its rich, poetic language and its unflinching examination of the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from unchecked ambition and the quest for power. The novel's non-linear storytelling and unreliable narrators create a layered and immersive reading experience that challenges and captivates readers.

Reviews
Rose Reads Novels · 2019-02-25
complex 3.50

The narrative is repetitive and can be confusing, but the book's depth and complexity make it a worthwhile read. The themes and storytelling are rich and engaging.

This reviewer found the narrative of Absalom, Absalom! to be repetitive and at times confusing, which made it a challenging read. However, they acknowledge the depth and complexity of the book, which makes it a worthwhile read. The themes and storytelling are rich and engaging, and the reviewer appreciates the effort Faulkner put into creating such a profound work. Despite the initial difficulty, they found the book to be a rewarding experience overall.

Quick quotes

    I found the narrative repetitious to the point of confusion.

    The themes and storytelling are rich and engaging.

    The book's depth and complexity make it a worthwhile read.

Nut Free Nerd · 2017-11-23
challenging 4.00

The book is challenging and requires a character map to keep track of the complex narrative. The intricate storytelling and deep themes make it a rewarding read despite its difficulty.

This reviewer found Absalom, Absalom! to be one of the most challenging books they've ever read, requiring a character map to keep track of the intricate narrative. The complexity of the storytelling and the deep themes explored make it a rewarding read, despite the initial difficulty. They appreciate the depth and richness of the novel, which makes the effort worthwhile. The reviewer also notes that the book's challenging nature is part of its appeal, as it demands a lot from the reader but offers a profound experience in return.

Quick quotes

    William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom! is genuinely one of the most challenging books I have ever read.

    My character map quickly became my best friend.

    The intricate storytelling and deep themes make it a rewarding read despite its difficulty.

1001 Book Reviews · 2013-04-15
rewarding 4.00

The book is initially challenging but becomes rewarding as you delve deeper into the story. The effort required to understand the narrative is worth it.

This reviewer initially struggled with Absalom, Absalom! and considered giving up on Faulkner altogether. However, they found that sticking with the book was worth it, as the narrative becomes more engaging and rewarding as you delve deeper into the story. The reviewer appreciates the effort required to understand the narrative and finds that the payoff is well worth the initial struggle. They also note that the book's challenging nature is part of its appeal, as it demands a lot from the reader but offers a profound experience in return.

Quick quotes

    So stick with it, I think you will find it is worth it.

    At the start of this book, I was seriously considering giving up on further Faulkner.

    The effort required to understand the narrative is worth it.

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