The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. The Book Review.

If there’s one thing I’m not afraid of, it’s a challenging read. So before I bought this audiobook, I saw all the reviews describing The Sound and the Fury as a tough nut to crack, and I thought, “Bring it on.” What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was just how much this book would test my patience and, frankly, my spirit.

William Faulkner’s fragmented, stream-of-consciousness writing style is as difficult to follow as everyone said it would be. But I was ready for that. I wasn’t, however, ready for the pervasive racism, sexism, and antisemitism that simmered throughout the narrative. As a Black woman, I tried to approach these elements critically, reasoning that the hateful perspectives might simply belong to the characters, not the author himself.

But then I made the mistake of digging deeper into Faulkner’s life. I discovered that he was an outspoken racist who supported segregation and even lynching. Suddenly, the bile spewed by Jason Compson and other characters didn’t feel so fictional anymore. It felt like I’d unwittingly funded a megaphone for the author’s own toxic ideologies.

I finished the book because I’m stubborn like that. But every chapter felt like a slap in the face, a reminder that I’d paid to consume a narrative that dehumanised people who look like me. There are moments in literature where art transcends the prejudices of its creator, but The Sound and the Fury didn’t feel like one of those moments. It felt like a platform for the author to air his vile beliefs under the guise of storytelling.

If you’re Black, a woman, Jewish, or frankly, anyone with a shred of empathy, consider this your warning: this book is not for the faint of heart. It’s not just “challenging” because of its structure—it’s offensive, painful, and deeply upsetting. I wish someone had told me before I picked it up.

This is, without exaggeration, the worst book I’ve ever read. Not because it’s hard to understand, but because it’s hard to stomach.

However, if you love a challenge and want to buy this book, you can get it here as a paperback.

Or you can buy it as an ebook through Kindle, you can also buy it as an audiobook here or as a hardcover here.

If you’ve read The Sound and the Fury, I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree. If you’re looking for more honest book reviews, follow me on social media and subscribe to my website, Read Read Rant. Let’s navigate the world of literature together—warts and all.