logo

50 pages 1 hour read

William Faulkner

Absalom, Absalom

William FaulknerFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
William Faulkner

Absalom, Absalom

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936
Book Details
Pages

316

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jefferson, Mississippi • 1860s

Theme
Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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

4.2

46,773 ratings

72%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.2

46,773 ratings

72%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

316

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jefferson, Mississippi • 1860s

Theme
Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.