Faulkner allegedly composed hundreds of short stories, forty-two of which are included in this collection.

These were curated by Faulkner himself, suggesting that he regarded them as some of his finest works. They encompass a broad range of experiences and are grouped into six general categories: I. The Country, II. The Village, III. The Wilderness, IV. The Waste Land, V. The Middle Ground, and VI. Beyond.

The titles are evocative of Faulkner's mood during selection and only loosely connect the individual stories. "The Country" consists of regional tales set in the rural South, "The Village" focuses more on small-town life, "The Wilderness" concentrates on historical interactions among Whites, Blacks, and Indians, the "Wasteland" stories deal with the devastations of WW I, the "Middle Ground" stories span from city to country, and with "Beyond," it's difficult to determine what Faulkner had in mind. He might have felt that these six stories defied classification. This is true of "Carcassonne," the final story in the collection, a dream-like fantasy.

Among the stories are well-known and frequently anthologized ones like "Barn Burning," "A Rose for Miss Emily," and "Two Soldiers." However, they merely scratch the surface of Faulkner's extensive interests and passions. There are stories about Faulkner's Mississippi that lead into his famous novels about Yoknapatawpha County, exploring the tragic history of the post-Civil War South. Others venture further afield – there are stories about New York, World War I and its aftermath, and many that could occur anywhere. Some are about family conflicts, often involving rebellious and sometimes misguided youth. If there's one constant in the stories, it's that life is complex, full of ambiguity and uncertainty, especially regarding outcomes. All are challenging to read and interpret.

Faulkner is always concerned with how history, or any event for that matter, is narrated by an observer whose reliability is always in question. A narrator's point-of-view must be considered, putting the reader in the position of having to decide if the storyteller is telling the whole truth. In "Divorce in Naples," there are at least three different witnesses to a character's actions, not counting the reader. Where does the truth lie?

One interviewer is said to have told Faulkner that people couldn't understand his writing, even after reading it two or three times. So, what approach would he suggest for them? Faulkner replied to read it four times. He may have been referring to his novels, but certainly many of his stories are dense with allusions and irony and reward repeated readings. A character in "Carcassonne" says, "I want to perform something bold and tragical and austere, shaping the soundless words in the pattering silence. . ." Faulkner, in these stories, is a master shaper of words.

The short stories included in this book are significantly easier to read compared to many of his novels.

However, some of the stories towards the end become more typical in the Faulknerian sense. In such cases, one has to go back and reread a paragraph for the second or third time to fully understand it.

Nonetheless, all the outstanding short stories are concentrated in the first half to three-quarters of the book.

He is truly one of the finest writers of gritty Americana. Many of his stories explore the worst aspects of human nature.

If you are like me and have a penchant for writers such as Cormac McCarthy and Charles Bukowski, then you should definitely give him a try.

His works offer a unique and profound perspective on the human condition, delving into the darker recesses of our lives and uncovering the raw emotions and experiences that lie beneath the surface.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a new and engaging writer to discover, this book is well worth your time and attention.

So, pick it up, sit back, and prepare to be immersed in the world of Faulkner's short fiction.

Gray and the button. A cavalcade of emotions and reflections.

Breaking the rhythm, compositions and disturbing recompose. Diverse perspectives, all directed by each individual character.

The white, the black, the Indian, the Métis; the Yankee. The generals and the soldiers.

The American South seen through the eyes of a strange Southerner.

This story unfolds like a complex tapestry, with each thread representing a different aspect of life, race, and identity.

The characters, with their unique backgrounds and experiences, bring to life the vivid and often tumultuous history of the American South.

As we follow their journey, we are drawn into a world of passion, conflict, and ultimately, understanding.

The story challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to look at the past with a new and more critical eye.

It is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil.

My inadequacy to rate this book is truly embarrassing.

I find myself completely at a loss when it comes to adequately expressing my thoughts and perceptions about this collection. Faulkner's mastery of the written word is truly exceptional and reading his works is an absolute delight. However, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to "just fall a bit short" of the understanding that I believe I should have. It seems that every other Faulkner fan is able to grasp the essence of his works so well, while I am constantly coming up just short of the mark. "Absalom, Absalom!" was an outstanding read for me, and "The Sound and the Fury" was truly exceptional. But this collection had its strengths in many aspects and also fell short in some others. I simply cannot help but feel inadequate in my ability to rate and truly appreciate this book.

I chose this book primarily because I had a strong desire to read "Barn Burning".

I had previously watched the South Korean film, "Burning", which ingeniously combines elements from Faulkner's short story and Haruki Murakami's short story of the same name. It is truly a magnificent and captivating story that not only inspired a short film but also the thought-provoking movie "Burning".

The remaining short stories in the collection are also interesting in their own right. However, my lack of familiarity with Faulkner presented an impediment. It became evident that his prejudices as a White Southerner were on full display throughout the text. This aspect added an additional layer of complexity to my reading experience, as I had to grapple with both the literary merit of the stories and the underlying biases of the author.

Despite this, I found myself drawn into the world that Faulkner created, eager to explore more of his works and gain a deeper understanding of his unique writing style and perspective.

Faulkner's works are truly an excellent collection that everyone should explore. His writing is a masterpiece of literature, filled with deep emotions, complex characters, and profound themes. Reading Faulkner is not just an ordinary literary experience; it is a journey into the human psyche and the essence of life. His unique style and narrative techniques make his stories come alive, captivating the reader from the very first page. Whether it's his exploration of race, class, or the human condition, Faulkner's works offer valuable insights and food for thought. So, if you haven't already, make it a point to read Faulkner. You won't be disappointed.

3 stars.

I had the opportunity to read this collection as part of a Modern American Fiction course. It was truly a delight to re-read an old favourite, A Rose for Emily. The story's complex characters and mysterious plot always manage to draw me in.

However, what really stood out to me this time was Dry September. It quickly became one of my new favourites. The way the author builds the tension and atmosphere throughout the story is masterful.

The characters are well-developed, and their actions and decisions drive the plot forward in a compelling way. I found myself completely engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, this collection offers a great selection of stories that showcase the talent and creativity of modern American fiction writers. While not every story may be to everyone's taste, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Faulkner holds a special place in my literary heart. For me, he will always be a better short story writer than a novelist. This collection truly showcases his prowess in the short story form.

The prerequisite high school reading of "A Rose for Emily" is a prime example. It's a tale that weaves a web of mystery and eccentricity around the character of Emily Grierson. The story's slow reveal and the final shocking twist make it a masterpiece of the genre.

Then there's "Barn Burning," one of my all-time favorite short stories. It's a dark and powerful exploration of family, loyalty, and morality. The young protagonist, Sarty, is caught between his father's destructive ways and his own sense of right and wrong. The tension and conflict in this story are palpable, and it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

All great Southern lit and Southern gothic seem to have their roots in Faulkner's work. His ability to create vivid characters, richly detailed settings, and complex narratives is truly remarkable. Whether it's the decaying mansions of Jefferson or the impoverished farms of Yoknapatawpha County, Faulkner brings the South to life in a way that few other writers can.

Faulkner's works are truly remarkable. His stream of consciousness novels, such as "The Sound and the Fury," are quite distinct. However, this particular collection of his stories stands out for a very different reason. It is far more accessible and easier to read compared to his more complex novels. The stories within this collection are extremely vivid, almost as if they come alive on the page. They have a captivating quality that makes it easy for the reader to get completely dragged into the narrative. It's no wonder that Faulkner is renowned for his short stories. This collection clearly showcases his talent and ability to create engaging and memorable tales.

"Selected Short Stories of William Faulkner" presents a remarkable literary experience.

It is a collection that is simultaneously lush with vivid descriptions, tense with palpable drama, startlingly refreshing in its unique perspectives, and yet frequently overwrought in its emotional intensity.

Often, it seems that the stories themselves take a backseat to the immensely rich detail that Faulkner lavishes upon every page. As a result, the middle stretch of stories in this collection tends to blur into one great heap of beautifully labored prose.

However, there are several standout pieces that truly shine. "Barn Burning" is a powerful exploration of family, loyalty, and morality. "Two Soldiers" offers a poignant look at the sacrifices and courage of young men. "A Rose for Emily" is a classic tale filled with mystery and tragedy. "Dry September" delves into the themes of race and violence. "Red Leaves" is a haunting and atmospheric story. "Mountain Victory" showcases Faulkner's ability to create complex characters and engaging plots. And "Race at Morning" is a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative.

Overall, "Selected Short Stories of William Faulkner" is a must-read for any lover of literature.

William Faulkner is one of the essential authors of American fiction. His short stories, just like his longer works, deal with profound and complex themes. However, they possess a unique conciseness that enables readers to take a brisk stroll through the psychological landscape of the decaying South.

His works vividly描绘 the social and moral decline of the South, exploring the deep-rooted issues and the psychological turmoil of the characters.

For instance, "A Rose for Miss Emily" is a remarkable piece that delves into the mysterious and tragic life of a southern woman.

The story is filled with symbolism and hidden meanings, inviting readers to uncover the layers of Miss Emily's psyche and the secrets that lie within.

I dare you to read this captivating story and experience the brilliance of Faulkner's writing for yourself.

"Shore, Kernel..."

My First Tentative Exploration of Faulkner

I recently embarked on my first foray into the works of William Faulkner. While A Rose for Emily left me a bit underwhelmed as a short story, this collection still managed to offer a few precious gems. By far, my absolute favorite was Mountain Victory. The character portrayals in this story were simply fantastic, and it held my attention rivetingly from the very beginning to the end. I adored this story so much that I actually reread it, and it proved to be just as powerful, if not even more so, the second time around.

The other stories that I thoroughly enjoyed were That Evening Sun and Dry September. The latter, in particular, was a shocking and unfortunately all-too-relevant tale about rumors and racism. It was truly excellent work.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who desires a taste of Faulkner's writing. I am now eager to move on and read some of his novels. Previously, I had been somewhat intimidated by the thought of delving into his novels, but having now read some of his short works, I firmly believe that I am ready to take the plunge and explore the deeper and more complex worlds that his novels undoubtedly offer.