As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner is a novel that was first published in 1930. The novel tells the story of the Bundren family, who are trying to transport their deceased matriarch’s body to her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi for burial. The novel is narrated by 15 different characters, each with their own unique perspective and voice. As I Lay Dying is considered to be one of the most important works of modernist literature. The novel is noted for its experimental style, with Faulkner using multiple narrators, shifting points of view, and stream-of-consciousness techniques. The novel explores themes of death, grief, family and the human condition.
As I Lay Dying was adapted into a film in 2014 directed by James Franco starring James Franco and Jessica Chastain as Addie Bundren. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was nominated for several awards including Best Supporting Actress at both the Golden Globes and Academy Awards for Chastain’s performance as Vardaman Bundren (Milo).
The novel has been praised by critics and is considered to be one of Faulkner’s best works.
