Some quick thoughts:

Absalom, Absalom - It is widely regarded as his masterpiece, and I largely concur. The structure and style employed, while ideal for the story, were at times rather tiresome to read. However, the depth and complexity of the narrative more than compensated for this.

The Unvanquished and The Wild Palms - As always, they are well-written. Nevertheless, both suffer from the issue that, as a whole, they do not function as effectively as their individual parts. I would argue that The Unvanquished better maintains itself as a cohesive unit.

The Hamlet - This work is often underrated. The gradual formation of each individual story that builds into a larger narrative over time is exemplary. It also manages to achieve the same biblical feel as that of 'Absalom, Absalom'. In fact, it is worthy of being in the same league as 'Absalom, Absalom' and 'The Sound and the Fury'. It showcases the author's remarkable ability to craft a rich and engaging world filled with complex characters and profound themes.

Overall, these works are testaments to the author's literary genius and continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars alike.

I was once taught that Absalom, Absalom! was his greatest masterpiece and one of the greatest books ever written.

Perhaps. It's indeed extremely difficult to compare Faulkner to Faulkner... or to anyone else for that matter. Each of his works has its own unique charm and significance.

However, I still have a special place in my heart for If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem. This particular book holds a certain allure for me that I can't quite put into words.

Maybe it's the way Faulkner weaves the story, or the depth of the characters he creates.

Whatever the reason, it remains one of my favorites among his extensive body of work.

It's a book that I keep coming back to, time and time again, finding new insights and meanings with each reading.

Faulkner's writing is truly a treasure, and If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem is just one of the many gems within his literary collection.

Re-read Absalom, Absalom! prior to visiting the excellent "Faulkner: Life and Works" exhibit at the University of Virginia's Harrison Institute.

Whenever I pose the question to myself regarding which Faulkner work I hold dearest, I find myself perpetually torn between Absalom and Faulkner's own favored piece, The Sound and the Fury.

Both are, without a doubt, truly marvelous. However, Absalom appears to occupy a special niche within my heart.

Perhaps this is because the defining incident in the life of the central character, Thomas Sutpen, takes place during his teenage years in the Tidewater region of Virginia, the very area where I was born and nurtured.

It is a tale of one man's unwavering, all-consuming ambition and the dreadful price that he and his family are forced to pay for it.

Along the course of the narrative, the Civil War exerts a profound influence on the lives of all the characters.

Frequently, the narrator is Quentin Compson, one of the four Compson children who lie at the heart of The Sound and the Fury.

I simply love this novel!

Unfortunately, I only had a limited amount of time to read The Unvanquished before the library demanded the return of this book. I have a great affection for William Faulkner, and I truly enjoyed this particular work. When compared to the other books I have read by him, I found that this one was the most linear and accessible, which initially seemed a bit odd. However, upon further reflection, I realized that this linearity actually enhanced my reading experience. Additionally, I thought that Faulkner presented some truly interesting ideas regarding the civil war, reconstruction, and gender. His exploration of these themes added depth and complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read. I look forward to having the opportunity to read more of his works in the future.

Another in a long list of classics or near classics from America's greatest novelist.

This work stands as a testament to the novelist's remarkable talent and creative prowess. It weaves a captivating narrative that draws readers in from the very first page.

The story unfolds with vivid characters and a richly detailed setting, transporting the audience to a world both familiar and unique.

The novelist's masterful use of language and storytelling techniques creates a reading experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether it is the exploration of complex themes, the development of intricate plotlines, or the portrayal of unforgettable characters, this work has all the elements of a true classic.

It is yet another example of why this novelist is considered one of the greatest in American literature.

See my reviews for the individual novels contained in this volume.

Each novel within this collection has its own unique charm and story.

The characters are vividly portrayed, drawing readers into their lives and experiences.

The plots are engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking drama, there is something for everyone in this volume.

By reading my reviews, you can get a better understanding of each novel and decide which ones are worth your time.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to discover some great reads.

Check out my reviews and start exploring the wonderful world of these individual novels today.