50 pages • 1 hour read
Absalom, Absalom
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Book Brief
316
Novel • Fiction
Jefferson, Mississippi • 1860s
1936
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner is a novel set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and explores themes of ambition, tragedy, and legacy through the story of Thomas Sutpen, who arrives in search of wealth and status. The narrative, recounted by Quentin Compson, unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, revealing the demise of the Sutpen family amidst the backdrop of socioeconomic upheaval and the Civil War. The book includes references to slavery, racial violence, rape, incest, and suicide.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
46,773 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! is celebrated for its intricate narrative and profound exploration of themes like family, identity, and the South’s troubled history. However, its dense prose and non-linear structure can be challenging. This novel is a masterwork for those who appreciate complex storytelling, but it may overwhelm casual readers.
Who Should Read Absalom, Absalom?
A reader who would enjoy Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner likely appreciates complex narratives and deep explorations of history, family, and Southern Gothic themes. Fans of The Sound and the Fury by Faulkner or Beloved by Toni Morrison may find this intricate tale engaging due to its layered storytelling and rich symbolism.
46,773 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Quentin Compson
Quentin Compson
A key storyteller in the novel, Quentin is a young man deeply tied to the Southern past, grappling with collective memory and history as he narrates the Sutpen family's saga.
Miss Rosa Coldfield
Miss Rosa Coldfield
The sister of Sutpen's first wife, Ellen, Rosa provides a vivid and emotionally charged account of the Sutpen family's history, marked by her bitterness and isolation.
Henry Sutpen
Henry Sutpen
Thomas Sutpen's eldest child, Henry's life is profoundly influenced by his father's legacy, as he navigates the weight of familial history and societal expectations.
Charles Bon
Charles Bon
Henry Sutpen's friend and half brother, Charles is a mysterious figure whose background and intentions create pivotal tension within the narrative.
316
Novel • Fiction
Jefferson, Mississippi • 1860s
1936
Adult
18+ years
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