Monday, August 29, 2011

Light in August by William Faulkner

While I believe that the Sound and the Fury is still Faulkner's paramount novel, Light in August is a close second and it is definitely an easier read. The tale of Joe Christmas, a half black and white man, who is outside of any society, accepted by no one, and treated as an pariah, is compared and contrasted with the tale of Lena Grove, a pregnant woman who is acknowledged and assisted by everyone and lastly the first two are compiled with the story of Reverend Hightower whose tale presents a kind of powerless southern morals, unable in the face of racism and lack of knowledge to change anything. The ebb and flow of the intertwining stories is classic Faulkner.

4 Stars

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