Mat, Tess, and Poppy returned to their home at Upper Dicker late this afternoon.
Afterwards, I finished reading William Faulkner’s ‘As I Lay Dying’. The book was first published in New York in 1930 by Jonathon Cape and Harrison Smith, Inc. My Folio Society Edition of 2011 is enhanced by William Gay’s knowledgeable and insightful introduction, and by the evocative illustrations of Katherine Hardy.
Fifteen different narrators are the device by which the author tells the tale of an eventful burial trip. They alternate with each other in presenting chapters varying in length from one line to a mere handful of pages. We enter the hearts and minds of a stubbornly independent poor rural family as the individuals relate their thoughts and observations in most credible uneducated vernacular. The protagonists, despite a certain amount of stupidity, usually retain their dignity.
Practical, sometimes wry, common sense is expressed by characters outside the bizarre-thinking family whose determined isolation does not work to their advantage. The trip has different meanings to different members of the Bundren Family who are too proud to accept help from anyone. The story is a compelling one of which I will not reveal details.
The front board bears a giant fish
caught by the youngest son.
The mother of the family appears on the frontispiece,
and other full page illustrations appear at intervals.
Despite the title, this was not an unenjoyable book to read at the holiday period.
This evening, Becky, Ian, Jackie, and I dined on the Culinary Queen’s splendid beef in red wine, creamy mashed potatoes, mashed swede, crisp carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli, followed by Christmas pudding and custard, with which I drank El Zumbido Granacha 2018 and Becky and Ian drank Wairauru Cove 2018. These delights were consumed on our knees while watching Rocketman, the marvellous biopic of Elton John played by Taron Egerton
I want to go back and read it again but I gave my copy away to a friend with a “Keep it if you really need to” comment. He kept it. I love all the illustrations in your edition – except for the boy cutting wood. The saw will catch if he goes any further.
Lovely illustrations.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
I remember seeing that book. Might be in my partners bookcase. Must check it out, Not seen Rocketman – must see it.
Thanks a lot, Gary. I think you would like both.
Thanks for sharing about this book…. added it to my B list… and excited to do so!
The illustrations were a nice tease
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I’m pleased to have aroused your interest, Yvette. Thanks very much.
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You, too.
Wonderful illustrations, Derrick. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, Jill
Very interesting illustrations Derrick, which leads itself into an intriguing book…
Thank you very much, Ivor
I have been wanting to read As I Lay Dying. I think having an illustrated version is really great!
Thanks very much, Pamela
OH! As I Lay Dying is my favorite Faulkner novel, and one of my all-time favorite books!! I studied it in Craft of Fiction college, reread it on my own, and taught it to high schoolers. I’ve never seen an illustrated version, though.
Thank you very much, Liz. That is some recommendation.
š I was so excited to see it featured on your blog!
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I always tell people who want to try Faulkner to start with this one. Absalom, Absalom is good, too, and I’ll never forget the Snopes family and all those spotted horses.
Thanks very much, Lisa. That is good to know.
I recall reading that Faulkner was once asked what to do if one has re-read any of his works several times and still hasn’t understood it. “Simply read it again,”- replied the master. I have to admit that I had not understood Faulkner until I lay my hands on the originals, as the Russian translations did not do justice to his complex prose. Thank you for sharing illustrations; they are fabulous.
Thank you very much, Dolly.
You are very welcome, Derrick.
I have not read this book yet. The illustrations are well done.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I head of it several years ago but haven’t read it yet š
Thanks a lot, Arlene
Letter “r” is missing again, that should be “i heard”
Beautiful illustrations, and sounds like a interesting read. Unfortunately I have placed my self on a book buying freeze with the hopes of working my way through the books in our home library.
I have the same freeze, msw. Many thanks
This is one of my favorites among his books. I’ve never seen an illustrated edition. They’re wonderfully done, but it feels odd to me to have illustrations in a Faulkner volume. I don’t know why. I suspect it’s because of a sense (justified or not) that it would distract from his prose, or suggest interpretations before the reader is ready for them.
Speaking of a bizarre-thinking family, have you read The Mosquito Coast, by Paul Theroux? If not, I highly recommend it. It’s a bit Lord of the Flies-ish, with a father consumed by an idĆ©e fixe, but it does have some relevance in these days of slavish devotion to people whose own grand ideas are neither rational nor workable.
Thanks very much, Linda. I haven’t read The Mosquito Coast. I understand your point about illustrations, but they did seem very sympathetic to me.
It’s odd — most of the time, well-done illustrations seem to complement the work, as a few words can complement a photo. With Faulkner, it just feels different. It’s a matter of taste, no doubt.
This book was one we read in school. I remember it well! I remember we learned that Mr. Faulkner wrote in a short period of time and didn’t change a word of it. He was working a job during the day while he wrote this book in the late night hours. I’ll never forget learning about that. š
Those illustrations are powerful and draws the reader in!
I’ve yet to see Rocketman. I want to! I love biopics about musicians/singers/bands.
HUGS!!! š
Thanks very much, Carolyn. Aaron Egerton’s performance is superb
I wonder if I will be able to accommodate more unread books into my wish list. You have been uncharacteristically laconic about the contents of the book other than the artwork accompanying the edition (which you reproduce exceedingly well). I reckon I must introduce myself to Mr Faulkner at some point of my journey itās too late.
Thanks very much, Uma. I try not to reveal the story š
Thank you Dereck, I would like to read this and love the illustrations.
Thank you very much, Sue
Interesting read Derrick. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much, Gary.
Lovely illustrations. I enjoy your posts on books and their illustrations so much.
I’m pleased, Sherry. Thank you very much
Both of my daughters love this book–but their copies did not have such wonderful illustrations. We haven’t yet seen “Rocketman.”
Sounds an interesting book, though not sure if it would be one I could read. Thank for telling us about it, anyway, Derrick.
This sounds like an interesting book, I’ll have to look into it.
I hope you enjoyed Rocketman as it’s one I’m hoping to watch soon. I recently watched Bohemian Rhapsody and enjoyed that.
Then you will like Rocketman, Nikki. Thanks very much.
It is one of the books on the bookcase at home but I never read it (too young). I wonder if it’s still there!
I thought Taron did Elton justice. š … and I loved the fantastical elements too … might have to do a rewatch. š
Becky has watched it 7 times, Widders. Thanks very much.
A true fan. š
The illustrations are very nice. The book seems interesting. I might get it to read on the plane back to NZ.
Thanks very much, Sylvie
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I need to read this again, now that Iām at an age where I might appreciate it.
Often the case. Thanks very much, Leslie
Amazing illustrations! Thank you for sharing, Derrick! Happy New Year you and your family!
And to you and yours, Sofia
Great post, Derrick – I love anything to do with books. I love the classics, though often their titles are so dreary… wishing you the best for 2020
Thanks very much, da-AL. And to you.