The Sound and the Fury

By: William Faulkner

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER • One of the greatest novels of the twentieth century is the story of a family of Southern aristocrats on the brink of personal and financial ruin.

The Sound and the Fury is the tragedy of the Compson family, featuring some of the most memorable characters in literature: beautiful, rebellious Caddy; the manchild Benjy; haunted, neurotic Quentin; Jason, the brutal cynic; and Dilsey, their black servant. Their lives fragmented and harrowed by history and legacy, the character’s voices and actions mesh to create what is arguably Faulkner’s masterpiece and one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century.

“I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire.... I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.” —from The Sound and the Fury

Check out more selections from Oprah's Book Club.

(P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“I am in awe of Faulkner’s Benjy, James’s Maisie, Flaubert’s Emma, Melville’s Pip, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—each of us can extend the list.... I am interested in what prompts and makes possible this process of entering what one is estranged from.” —Toni Morrison

Well Read Classic

The book is very well read. The story is difficult to follow, but that is not because it is in audio form. It would be just as hard to follow in print. It doesn't help that the first part of the story is told from the perspective of a mentally retarded member of the family. Also, the story is not in chronological order. I had to stop a little way into the book and do some internet research on the characters and plot. After that, I was able to appreciate this classic for what it is.

Don't Listen to this Book!

This book is very difficult, and the physical copy is needed to better understand it. There are italics in the physical copy to indicate that there is a shift happening in the character's mind. It is impossible to voice these transitions

As Described... a difficult read

Where does The Sound and the Fury rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As is his usual standard, Grover Gardner makes the journey through this book much enhanced. The 'stream of consciousness' style of writing is difficult to follow, but Mr. Gardner makes it possible. It's not high on my list of stories I liked, but it is high on the list of narrators to listen to.

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

Benji - although the most difficult initially - to me was the most likable.

narration

This narration is excellent -- and of course the book is too. Different accents just right.

Honest authentic

This was my first exposure to Faulkner. At first it was like stepping into a whirlwind. But before I realized it I was swept up. His characters are alive. He captures the times magically. I can’t wait to read more of his works.

Very

nice! Language of a by gone time... Listen with your 2021 ears, carefully. Otherwise, enjoy.

One of Faulkner’s Best

Faulkner’s stream-of-consciousness style works well to develop each of the characters, while not leaving the reader completely in the dark. Benji’s chapter may need a revisit, but other than that it is a well-fleshed-out narrative on the interpersonal decline of a Southern aristocratic family.

Hang in

Grover Gardner is the best reader I have heard, and he is outstanding with this effort (which is a trial). Best to read a synopsis of the book before listening, or as I might have done, you would give up. I hung in after the first two sections and was rewarded. You will be as well.

Great narrator!!!

English is not my first language so classics are never easy for me, but the narration is truely superb, makes listening very enjoyable!!! I'm gonna check out what other books this guy have narrated, he certainly has the talent of making the story come alive.

Outstanding performance

Grover Gardner has got to be one of the best and he really showcases his talent when reading Faulkner or Twain. For anyone who hasn't read this book or is new to Faulkner's stream of consciousness writing, I would suggest maybe reading this book in print first. It's one of my favorite books, top 10, but it takes a little extra to keep up with the time shifts. I read this years ago and listened to it to enjoy again, I think someone listening especially someone new to his work may get a little tangled up. It's said that his writing is "difficult", in my humble opinion that's strong but you' can't expect to read it while distracted, I think you need to devote yourself to the pages. I think I remember reading that WF originally wanted to use italics or different color inks especially in the beginning with Benji's narrative. I think that would take a lot away but I digress. Great book, Faulkner really writing and at the top of his game, not one cranked out for money, wonderful work, beautiful prose, can't say enough. Hope this helps and more people are introduced to his work and enjoy it as much as I have.