This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Sound and the Fury

   

   The novel is a complex exploration of the tragic Compson family from the American South. Told from four distinct perspectives, the story unfolds through stream of consciousness narratives, each revealing their own understanding of the family's decline. The characters grapple with post-Civil War societal changes, personal loss, and their own mental instability. The narrative is marked by themes of time, innocence, and the burdens of the past.

   The 9th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Absalom, Absalom!

   

   This novel is a complex narrative about Thomas Sutpen, a poor white man who rises to power in the South, aiming to create a dynasty that would rival the old aristocratic families. However, his ambitions are thwarted by his own flawed decisions and the overarching racial and societal tensions of the era. The story is not told in a linear fashion but rather through a series of interconnected flashbacks and narratives, offering different perspectives on the same events. The book explores themes of family, class, race, and the destructive power of obsession.

   The 43rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. As I Lay Dying

   

   The narrative unfolds through the eyes of 15 different characters over 59 chapters. It is the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her poor, rural family's quest and motivations—noble or selfish—to honor her wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. As the Bundren family undertakes a journey to fulfill Addie's last wish, they face many hardships and personal revelations. The novel explores themes of existentialism, death, and the nature of family relationships.

   The 79th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Light in August

   

   Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel explores complex social and personal issues through the intertwining stories of its characters. The narrative primarily follows a man of ambiguous racial identity on a quest to find his father, a pregnant woman searching for the father of her unborn child, and a disgraced minister attempting to navigate his own moral compass. The book delves into themes of identity, race, and the human struggle for understanding and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the deep-rooted prejudices and social norms of the time.

   The 181st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Sanctuary

   

   "Sanctuary" is a gripping tale set in the American South during the Prohibition era. The story follows a young woman from a well-to-do family who is kidnapped by a gang of bootleggers, leading to her descent into debauchery and criminality. As she navigates the seedy underworld, the novel explores themes of social decay, moral ambiguity, and the inherent violence of humanity. The narrative is marked by the author's characteristic complex storytelling and vivid descriptions of the Southern landscape.

   The 509th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem

   The Wild Palms

   

   The novel is a collection of four related stories, each focusing on a different protagonist. The stories are set in the Southern United States and explore themes of love, loss, and the struggle to survive in harsh circumstances. The characters are often isolated and alienated, struggling with their own personal demons and the harsh realities of their environment. The narrative style is complex and challenging, with frequent shifts in time and perspective, reflecting the fragmented and chaotic nature of the characters' lives.

   The 754th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Hamlet

   A Novel of the Snopes Family

   

   "The Hamlet" is a complex narrative that explores the lives of the Snopes family, their rise to power, and their struggle with morality in a small southern town. The story is filled with themes of greed, manipulation, and the quest for power, as the Snopes family uses cunning and deceit to gain control over the town and its inhabitants. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the dark side of human nature and the destructive power of ambition.

   The 1343rd Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. The Collected Stories of William Faulkner

   

   This collection of short stories encompasses a wide range of themes and settings, all penned by a celebrated American author. The stories, set primarily in the American South, explore complex human relationships, societal norms, and the human condition through a variety of characters and narratives. The author's distinctive narrative style, marked by intricate storytelling and deep psychological insights, is evident throughout the collection, which includes some of his most famous and critically acclaimed short works.

   The 1468th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Go Down, Moses

   

   This novel is a collection of interconnected stories that explore the complex relationship between race, heritage, and land in the American South. The narrative primarily focuses on the McCaslin family, a family of white landowners, and their relationships with the African American individuals who were formerly enslaved by them. The book explores themes of racial exploitation, inheritance, and the destructive power of obsession, particularly through the character of Ike McCaslin, who renounces his inheritance due to its roots in slavery.

   The 1714th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Intruder in the Dust

    

    Set in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South, the story follows a young white boy named Chick Mallison who becomes embroiled in the case of Lucas Beauchamp, a black man wrongfully accused of murder. As Chick grapples with his own prejudices and the societal norms of his time, he embarks on a journey to prove Lucas's innocence, uncovering deep-seated racial tensions and challenging the status quo. The narrative delves into themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid picture of a community on the brink of change.

    The 3132nd Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. The Portable Faulkner

    

    This collection showcases the work of a celebrated American author, featuring selections from his novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, and essays. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the author's distinctive narrative style and his exploration of complex themes such as identity, race, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the fictional Yoknapatawpha County in the American South. It serves as an excellent introduction to the author's oeuvre, demonstrating his profound influence on 20th-century literature.

    The 3638th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. A Rose for Emily

    

    "A Rose for Emily" is a Southern Gothic short story about the life of Emily Grierson, a woman from a once prestigious family who lives in isolation in her decaying mansion in a small Southern town. Emily's life is narrated through the eyes of the townspeople, revealing her struggles with her father's controlling nature, her romantic relationship with a man beneath her social status, and her descent into madness. The story is renowned for its unexpected and shocking conclusion, which reveals a dark secret Emily has been hiding in her home.

    The 4284th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. Sartoris

    

    This novel delves into the complex dynamics of the Sartoris family, set in the post-Civil War South. It explores themes of honor, decay, and the struggle between the old and new South through the lens of the Sartoris family, who are emblematic of the aristocratic Southern families facing decline. The narrative weaves through the lives of its characters, revealing the impacts of war, the weight of legacy, and the challenge of adapting to a changing world. Through vivid storytelling and deep psychological insight, the novel portrays the internal and external conflicts that shape its characters, offering a poignant look at the remnants of Southern aristocracy trying to find their place in a reconstructed society.

    The 5093rd Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. The Bear

    

    Set in the dense, untamed wilderness of the American South, this narrative explores the coming-of-age journey of a young boy named Ike McCaslin. As he embarks on annual hunting expeditions with his family and friends, Ike encounters Old Ben, a legendary bear that embodies the untamed spirit of the forest. Through these hunts, Ike grapples with themes of nature, heritage, and the moral complexities of human interaction with the land. The story delves into the intricate relationships between man, nature, and the passage of time, ultimately leading Ike to profound realizations about his own identity and the legacy of his family's past.

    The 5646th Greatest Book of All Time

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15. 15. Pylon

    

    Set against the backdrop of a 1930s air show in New Orleans, the narrative delves into the lives of a group of barnstorming aviators and their tangled relationships. The story is told through the eyes of a cynical journalist who becomes fascinated by the nomadic lifestyle and complex dynamics of the flying trio: a daredevil pilot, his mechanic, and the woman they both love. As the journalist becomes more entangled in their world, he grapples with themes of obsession, identity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, all while the specter of tragedy looms over the high-flying spectacle.

    The 6002nd Greatest Book of All Time

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16. 16. The Mansion

    

    The novel delves into the complex lives of three interconnected characters in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, exploring themes of power, corruption, and redemption. It intricately examines the moral decay and eventual transformation of a ruthless businessman, his loyal but morally conflicted employee, and a young woman caught in their web of influence. Through a rich tapestry of Southern life, the story reveals the profound impact of personal choices and societal pressures on the human spirit.

    The 6174th Greatest Book of All Time

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17. 17. A Fable

    

    This novel is a World War I allegory where a Christ-like figure emerges within a French regiment, sparking a mutiny. The figure, a corporal, persuades his squadron to not attack in the bloody conflict, leading to their court-martial and execution. The narrative explores themes of war, morality, and the human spirit, with the corporal's actions causing a ripple effect, impacting the lives of soldiers, officers, and even a Jesuit priest.

    The 7165th Greatest Book of All Time

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18. 18. The Town

    

    Set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of three distinct narrators, each offering their unique insights into the complex and tumultuous life of Flem Snopes. As Flem rises to power and prominence, the story delves into themes of ambition, greed, and the relentless pursuit of wealth, all while exploring the intricate dynamics of family and community. The tale is a vivid portrayal of the societal changes and moral dilemmas faced by the inhabitants of a small Southern town, capturing the essence of human nature and the inevitable consequences of unchecked ambition.

    The 7910th Greatest Book of All Time

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19. 19. The Reivers

    A Reminiscence

    

    This novel is a humorous coming-of-age story set in the American South in the early 20th century. It follows a young boy who, along with two companions, steals his grandfather's car and embarks on an adventure to Memphis. Along the way, they encounter various characters and situations that challenge their morals and force them to grow up quickly. The journey serves as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood.

    The 8787th Greatest Book of All Time

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20. 20. The Unvanquished

    

    Set in the American South during and after the Civil War, the story follows the Sartoris family, particularly young Bayard Sartoris, as they navigate the challenges and transformations brought about by the conflict and its aftermath. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of honor, revenge, and the struggle for justice in a society grappling with the collapse of its traditional values. As Bayard matures, he confronts moral dilemmas and the legacy of violence, ultimately seeking a path of integrity and reconciliation in a changing world.

    The 16496th Greatest Book of All Time

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21. 21. Barn Burning

    

    Set in the post-Civil War South, the story follows a young boy named Sarty as he grapples with his loyalty to his family and his own moral compass. His father, a tenant farmer with a penchant for arson, repeatedly sets fire to the barns of landowners as a form of rebellion against perceived injustices. As Sarty witnesses his father's destructive actions, he is torn between his familial duty and his growing awareness of right and wrong. The narrative explores themes of justice, integrity, and the struggle between familial loyalty and personal ethics, culminating in a poignant moment of decision for the young protagonist.

    The 16880th Greatest Book of All Time

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