This is one of the easier Faulkner novels to read, even easier than "As I Lay Dying." The problem that may lead to frustration for the modern reader is that Faulkner really doesn't care about the plot; his concern is for the characters.
This is not to say that there isn't a plot. There are actually several entwined plot lines, any of which could have been engaging for the reader. Time after time Faulkner ruins these plot lines by revealing the climax before it happens.
As an example, and probably the worst example, look at the murder of Miss Burden. We know very little about her before she is murdered. Faulkner tells us who murdered her - Joe Christmas. Then he starts a chapters long tale of the life of Joe Christmas, from his life in the orphanage all the way to the murder - which we know that he has already committed.
It happens again at the capture of Christmas and his death. Each time Faulkner tells us it has happened as if the fact is of little importance, then proceeds to fill in the details after the fact.
I guess I prefer a little more attention to the plot than this. Who am I to say that the novel could have been a lot better? Nobody, I guess, but I wish that he had simply arranged things to provide actual climax and release periods. The raw material was there, he just ignored it on purpose so that he could focus on the characters.
My favorite Faulkner so far is still "As I Lay Dying."
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