It is harder to review a book where the characters are all to one degree or another repellent. I found this also when I read [b:Molloy|446542|Molloy|Samuel Beckett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1426904873l/446542.SX50.jpg|2204679]- no one in the book felt sympathetic, but the writing had interest on its own that kept me engaged enough to reach the end. This book is set up almost like the story of a quest, where the goal is the burial of Addie Bundren despite steep obstacles, lead by her husband's stubborn determination not to diverge from the course. It is all folly, on different levels for different characters, with a slap in the face to the reader on the final page. It does not look well for this family after the end of this account and I am certain I would not have had much appetite for it to go on longer than it did.

I have previously read some Southern Gothic American literature, but nothing this grim, oppressive, and upsetting. I listened to this as an audiobook with a cast of narrators for the separate parts, which helped me keep their outlooks straight most of the time. In the end I felt that I did gain something from the experience, but not so much enjoyment.