>>8175997
I actually did not like Faulkner very much, especially compared to Joyce. Something about Faulkner's writing seems too labored. I recommend trying out D.H. Lawrence, though sometimes he gives off that same Faulkner vibe, as if he is weary of writing the page in front of you and is struggling to get it out. Joyce was probably a better stylist of the three, but I prefer the intensity of Lawrence.

>>8176008
Thanks, I'll get around to Lawrence later in the summer, I'm sure.

Bump, looking for some opinions on the difficulty gap between TSATF and Ulysses

>>8175997
the best way to read The Sound and the Fury is to reread it. do not despair with the first chapter. Benjy's mental ramblings and perceptions are not inane, they're quite important to the story. some get put off rereading a book right after you've read it, but this one warrants such a study.

as for Joyce, i'd suggest reading A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man before reading Ulysses, as the narrative begins shortly after the former. yes, Ulysses is difficult, but you're a smart guy so don't let the tough nature of the read put you off. the novel is extremely rewarding. if you do feel like it's too much for you, return to it in a year or two. at different stages in life, great works of literature take on new meanings and are more digestible.