I will not discuss the story because I assume anyone looking for this edition of the book knows something of the novel. I will say that I think this edition is the best I have ever read and I enjoyed it immensely. I read the commentary and reviews with as much interest as I did the novel itself. The editor did a good job assembling an all star cast to review the book and provide background information.
Anyone interested in this novel, first time readers or fans of the book, should own this copy. It was fabulous from beginning to end. Make sure to read all the articles and reviews, you will not be disappointed.

This book is confusing and difficult to read at first. You have to ride it like you would a "rapid river"-- just hang on, get what you can, and go back a second or third time. It might be helpful to read the background information AFTER you've read the story at least once.

Now, does this sound like too much work? Well, it isn't. Once you've done the reading, you'll realize that there is real genius at work in this text. The prose is strongly crafted, and the story that Faulkner relates is one that cannot be forgotten. You will want to read the rest of the Compton's stories-- Absalom! Absalom! is one, and you'll never think of those big gorgeous moss covered southern mansions the same way again.

I read The Sound and the Fury last year for my English research paper. I'm glad I forced myself to read it and not get discouraged by the incredibly difficult first chapter. I wouldn't recommend this if you have trouble reading complex literature but the time I put into the work was well worth it and the criticisms and supplimental material in the Norton edition were very helpful...

This well-written book provides the reader with an indepth analysis of the underlying dynamics of two of the bloodiest and prolonged civil wars in Africa.

Minter's focus in on examining the impact of both internal and external factors on these conflict and what role, if any, they played in helping to escalated conflict in Angola and Mozambique. The book's multi-tiered approach is well-suited to this type of investigation and Minter makes a strong case that external actors played the major role in prolonging and intensifying both civil wars. In doing so, Minter lays the blame for much of the bloodshed and suffering on South Africa, the United States, and the Soviet Union as the death struggle of apartheid and the end of the Cold War came to play an integral part in these internal conflicts.

Although I disagree with some of the book's specific conclusions--such as RENAMO's lack of popular support in Mozambique--Minter makes a strong case overall and seeks to answer lingering questions over the role and degree of external support to insurgents in Angola and Mozambique. This book is a must for the student of southern African affairs who is seeking to better understand one of the most defining times in the region's history.