Nobody writes with the intensity of William Faulkner.

His words have the power to grip the reader's heart and mind, transporting them to a world filled with complex characters and profound emotions.

Faulkner's writing is like a wild storm, unleashing a torrent of ideas and images that leave the reader breathless.

His sentences are long and winding, filled with rich descriptions and vivid details that bring his stories to life.

Whether he is writing about the South's past or the human condition, Faulkner's intensity shines through, making his work some of the most powerful and unforgettable in American literature.

His ability to capture the essence of his characters and their struggles is truly remarkable, and his writing continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike.

This is a collection of short stories that I have read and reread numerous times, and it will always remain close at hand.

There is simply no one quite like Faulkner. He was bestowed with a remarkable gift that enables him to transport readers into a world brimming with characters who strangely come alive.

Characters like Saucier Weddel, Jubal, and Sartorius Snoops. They don't just exist on the pages of the book; they become an integral part of your own world.

The fictional Yoknapatawpha county feels so real to me that it's as if I could step right into its landscapes and interact with its inhabitants.

Faulkner's writing is a masterclass in creating a vivid and immersive literary experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned.

It's a collection that I will continue to cherish and revisit, always finding new depths and meanings within its pages.

Each story is a gem, a testament to Faulkner's genius as a writer.

I can't imagine my literary life without this collection by my side.

This is a seemingly random but good selection of Faulkner short stories.

If you are a fan of Faulkner, you will surely appreciate them. However, if not, elements such as unreliable narrators, shifts in perspective, and Faulkner's typical "hey reader, you're smart, figure this story out from what I'm giving you" attitude might turn you away.

There is the obligatory Sartoris story. It makes one wonder if anyone has ever put all these Sartoris-related stories together in chronological order somewhere. Could it even be possible? The Sartoris family story is incredibly complex. I can't even imagine that Faulkner himself could keep all the details straight. There are so many details spread over several generations of this very convoluted family.

There is also a great World War I story. It has some excellent dialogue and action, told in the characteristic Faulkner style of "you figure out what's going on".

All of the stories are ultimately interesting. They don't rely on the cheesy "twist" at the end that so many short story writers use to keep you turning the pages. It's a solid collection. But personally, I would prefer to read several related stories in one book, like in the excellent collection The Unvanquished.

If you are new to Faulkner, it's important to remember that these stories were written in the early 20th Century. They are set in and around the American Civil War and its aftermath, in the deep south. So, the racial language reflects the terminology in use in that place at that time. If it shocks you, it's because Faulkner didn't want to whitewash the era's reprehensible racial attitudes.

"A Rose for Emily" is a truly remarkable short story that has earned a well-deserved five-star rating. It delves deep into the complex and mysterious life of Emily Grierson, painting a vivid picture of a woman trapped in the past and isolated from the changing world around her. The story is filled with rich symbolism and a sense of foreboding that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

"Turnabout," on the other hand, is a three-star story. While it has its merits, it doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence as "A Rose for Emily." The plot is engaging enough, but perhaps lacks the depth and complexity that would have made it a more outstanding piece. Nevertheless, it still manages to hold the reader's attention and provides an enjoyable reading experience.

Overall, both stories have their own unique qualities and offer something different to the reader. Whether you prefer the dark and mysterious atmosphere of "A Rose for Emily" or the more straightforward narrative of "Turnabout," there is no denying that they are both worthy of being read and appreciated.

Still need to read Absalom, Absalom! and The Sound And The Fury, but I didn't have an overly favorable opinion of this collection of Faulkner's short stories.

My favorites among them were Barn Burning, Mountain Victory, A Rose For Emily, and Two Soldiers.

The main issue for me is that although I value the darkness of Southern Gothic literature and understand its allegorical significance in depicting the decay and stagnation of the postbellum South, I don't appreciate it being so all-encompassing. The fatalistic wallowing of many characters in this miasma makes sense from Faulkner's perspective, given his life and experiences in late 1800s-early 1900s Mississippi. I'm certain a great deal of his writing was extremely cathartic for him. However, immersing oneself in the lives of these dumb, fatalistic characters is also极其 depressing. Maybe that's why Faulkner was an alcoholic.

One aspect of his writing that held my interest, though, was his inclination to simply plunge into storylines. There is no spoon-feeding of characters' names and backgrounds in the following sentences. Instead, the reader is abruptly thrust into a conversation or a situation where the names, the setting, previous history, and plot unfold in a scattered and uneven manner. The pronouns of speaking characters often overlap to such an extent that the reader has to act as a detective not only to the clues provided for the background and story but also to figure out who the hell is even speaking. There's at least one story where a character's name is only mentioned once, and that's towards the end.

Much like with Faulkner's Southern Gothic darkness, I didn't have a particularly strong like or dislike for this trait of his, but I found it to be entirely unique and interesting.

This piece of writing is a bit discomforting to peruse.

The main reason for this is the "different time" in which it was penned and the copious amount of racial slurs that are scattered throughout it.

It is quite evident that it mirrors the attitudes of numerous individuals in the south.

Both then and, unfortunately, even now.

The use of such offensive language not only shocks the modern reader but also serves as a reminder of the deeply ingrained prejudices that have persisted over time.

It is essential to recognize and condemn these attitudes to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

By understanding the past, we can strive to create a better future where such discriminatory language and behavior have no place.

A great introduction to Faulkner’s genius is truly captivating. He undoubtedly deserves the lofty reputation he has earned. It is indeed a sad fact that recognition came to him so late, considering he had worked tirelessly for a long time on numerous books, poems, and screenplays. One cannot help but admire his unwavering persistence. Perhaps, for him, writing for its own sake was all that truly mattered, or nearly so. Faulkner’s short stories are incredibly powerful, capable of raising the senses to new heights. His style and prose are original and unique, setting him apart from other writers. The vivid descriptions of varied people, situations, and places are simply wonderful. In two of his stories, he effortlessly puts us in the mind of a boy, allowing us to experience the world through the boy’s eyes. Moreover, he gives us the unmistakable flavor of southern culture in times gone by. Just like Joyce’s Dubliners, I am certain that I will be reading these short stories again. They are not only entertaining but also highly instructive, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the rich tapestry of southern life.

DNF. I wasn't really getting anything out of the stories.

DNF stands for "Did Not Finish". It means that I didn't complete reading the stories.

The reason I didn't finish was that I simply wasn't finding any value or interest in them.

Maybe the plots were too predictable, or the characters weren't well-developed.

Whatever the case, I just couldn't bring myself to continue.

It's important to know when to stop reading a book that isn't engaging you.

Otherwise, you'll just be wasting your time.

So, I decided to DNF these stories and move on to something else that might be more interesting.

Hopefully, the next book I pick up will be a better read and keep me hooked from start to finish.

Descriptive, detailed and grandiose - these are the words that can best describe this work. It was so grandiose that it took me almost three years, with numerous interruptions along the way, to finally get it done. Was it good? Surely so! The amount of effort and time invested in it is a testament to its quality. However, three years is an incredibly long time for a book. After just one year, you tend to forget most of the stories. And if, in the end, nothing remains except perhaps your stamp on Goodreads, well, then it just might not be as worth remembering as one might have hoped. It's a bittersweet realization that despite all the hard work, the passage of time can have such a profound impact on our memory and perception of a piece of work.

I was extremely disappointed with this compilation of short stories. I had never delved into any of Faulkner's novels and believed this could be an excellent means to sample the works of a literary icon.

Well, if this collection is truly representative of his full-length novels, then I'm content to remain a Faulkner novice until my dying day.

I'm astonished that this collection has an average rating of over four stars. Subsequently, I went back and perused some of the reviews. Many reviewers seemed to have pre-determined their fondness for the book before even commencing to read it. And even those who didn't appear to like the book often still awarded three stars. Maybe it's because in their "literary" minds, who wouldn't love Faulkner? "Right"? Then there were those who hadn't even completed the book... Hmm, I wonder why? I myself almost abandoned this collection about ten times.

In numerous instances, Faulkner's style made it arduous to follow the storyline. I happened to be reading this concurrently with a complete works of Hemingway's short stories, and this isn't an issue of disliking short stories. Half the time, I was only faintly aware of who was speaking or what they were discussing. I often finished a story feeling cheated or expended a great deal of energy going back and attempting to piece everything together. Many stories lacked an underlying message, or if there was a profounder message, it was buried so deeply and camouflaged so adeptly that I entirely missed it. Instead, it seemed as if his aim was to leave the reader with a disturbing or thought-provoking image, which can be effective.

Was his writing descriptive? Indeed. Does his writing capture the character and essence of the old South? Presumably. Were many of his characters interesting? Certainly. Were the stories well-written? That depends on how one defines a well-written story. I don't begrudge the effort of working through a read, but I do appreciate when the writer orientates me to his world, even if only to a small extent. I never truly felt as though I was immersed in the story, but rather on the outside looking in, desperately longing to get in, yet unable to.

There were a couple of stories that I found enjoyable, but not to the point of loving them. In fact, there isn't a single story that I absolutely adored. Interestingly, I tend to rate books higher than the average because I have a passion for reading and I love stories of all kinds. I like all diverse styles of writing and relish reading across different genres. This book, however, I did not love or even like.

A few reviewers did mention that while they generally have a penchant for Faulkner, this wasn't a remarkable collection. So perhaps I need to give him another chance. If you're like me and eager to explore the works of some of the literary greats, don't waste your time here, at least not initially.

However, if you're a diehard Faulkner enthusiast, by all means go ahead. I'm certain you'll love it even if, like some readers, you don't fully comprehend it. It may be that it takes time to become comfortable with Faulkner's writing style in order to assimilate it easily and comprehensively. Evidently, I'm not there yet.

This work showcases superb writing skills, yet it is grossly racist.

It is dated, but it offers an interesting insight into another time and place.

The narrative is very much in the mind of the characters, especially the white males.

From the perspective of native Americans and blacks, it is very uncomfortable writing.

The author's use of language and description is masterful, but the underlying racism is disturbing.

It is important to recognize and understand the historical context in which this work was written, but it is also necessary to condemn the racist views expressed.

Despite its flaws, this work can still provide valuable lessons about the past and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Everything by Faulkner in his prime is truly amazing. However, "That Evening Sun" (sometimes titled "That Evening Sun, Gone Down") holds a special place among my favorites. It is filled with visceral imagery that seems to emerge from a mysterious realm beyond the conscious mind. This imagery has a profound impact on the reader's mind, working its magic in an almost inexplicable way.

Moreover, it is one of the finest evocations of a child's consciousness that I have ever come across. It is not simply a sentimental portrayal of innocence; rather, it is disorienting, unnerving, and rich in a way that borders on the surreal. The story manages to capture the complex and often confusing world of a child's perception with remarkable accuracy.

Despite its exploration of a child's consciousness, "That Evening Sun" is still very much an adult's story. It is filled with themes of violence, lust, and loss, which add depth and complexity to the narrative. The combination of these elements makes it a truly unforgettable read. I cannot recommend this story highly enough. It is a masterpiece that showcases Faulkner's incredible talent as a writer.