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90 pages 3 hours read

As I Lay Dying

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1930

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Book Brief

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William Faulkner

As I Lay Dying

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1930
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mississippi • 1920s

Publication Year

1930

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner follows the Bundren family on their journey across Mississippi to fulfill their matriarch Addie's dying wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson. Along the way, they face numerous struggles and personal dilemmas, including severe weather, social stigma, and traumatic injuries, all narrated through a stream-of-consciousness style that reveals their complex inner lives. Sensitive topics in this book include death, mental illness, unplanned pregnancy, and infidelity.

Dark

Mysterious

Challenging

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

176,919 ratings

63%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner highlight its innovative narrative style and deep exploration of personal and familial themes. Critics praise the unique multiple perspectives and rich, complex characterizations. However, some find the structure challenging and the prose dense. Overall, it is celebrated for its literary significance and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read As I Lay Dying?

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner appeals to readers who appreciate Southern Gothic literature, intricate narratives, and multi-perspective storytelling. Similar audiences enjoy The Sound and the Fury and Beloved by Toni Morrison. Fans of character-driven plots and stream of consciousness writing will find it intriguing.

4.0

176,919 ratings

63%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mississippi • 1920s

Publication Year

1930

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

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