Above the Treetops - The True Story of William Faulkner and Bobby Little, the Son He Never Had
Jack Sacco
BOOK REVIEW

In the twinkling shadows of Southern literature, a profound story emerges: Above the Treetops - The True Story of William Faulkner and Bobby Little, the Son He Never Had by Jack Sacco. It's not just a biography; it's a journey that pulls us beyond the mere surface of familial bonds, control, and the haunting legacies of our choices. Sacco takes us on a poignant ride through the complexities of William Faulkner's life-one that weaves together the threads of his fiction with the stark reality of his existence, all through the lens of his relationship with Bobby Little, the child he always longed for but never had.
Faulkner, a giant of the literary world, is often seen as a master of the profound and the grotesque. He wielded his pen with a force that could evoke both the delicate beauty of a Southern landscape and the brutal realities lurking beneath it. Sacco's writing does something even more magical; it transcends mere biography, challenging you to confront your own understanding of love and loss. When we dissect Faulkner's turbulent relationship with Bobby-a narrative of missed opportunities and unexpressed emotions-we can't help but reflect on our own lives. Who among us has not yearned for connection, only to be thwarted by circumstance or pride?
As you delve into this evocative tome, the pages become a rich canvas painted with the vivid hues of Faulkner's world. In stark devotion to truth, Sacco doesn't shy away from the shadows that mar Faulkner's legacy. He reveals the cracks in the facade of Faulkner's carefully constructed persona, allowing us a glimpse into the turmoil that echoed in his prose. Readers who initially approach the text expecting mere reverence for Faulkner's genius will find themselves ensnared in a web of raw, emotional honesty. Critics have pointed out how Sacco is unflinching, showcasing not just the accolades but also Faulkner's flaws-an often-rebellious spirit wrestling with his demons.
Readers have had varied reactions to the book. Some praise Sacco's ability to forestall the myth of the literary giant, instead offering a complex man with vulnerabilities and aspirations that were profoundly human. Others argue that the narrative sometimes veers into melodrama. However, it's precisely that tension-the struggle between myth and reality-that makes Above the Treetops a compelling read. Sacco grasps broadly at the human aspect of Faulkner's struggles, transforming the reader's ambivalence into empathy for a life riddled with longing and regret.
Sacco invites you to face the heart-wrenching decisions Faulkner made, the scars left by unfulfilled desires that ripple throughout his work. His bond with Bobby serves as a focal point-a poignant reminder that the heart's truths often breathe life into the pages of fiction. As you turn the chapters, you will find yourself questioning the limitations of your own connections, and perhaps even grasping the fragility of father-son relationships that echo through time.
This book is not just an exploration of Faulkner's literary landscape; it's an invitation for introspection. As you journey through the struggles of Faulkner and Bobby, don't be surprised if you feel your own walls crumbling, revealing the raw vulnerability within. Sacco's mastery lies in his ability to evoke-a blend of laughter, tears, and strange nostalgia. In the midst of it all, we discover that we all have our own hidden stories, and that the chase for understanding and love is universal.
In a world increasingly bent on celebrating perfection, Above the Treetops dares to embrace imperfection. The book will capture your heart and mind, forcing you to relive, rethink, and perhaps even rewrite your own understanding of family, legacy, and what it means to truly connect. Don't let this story slip through your fingers; it captivates with every word, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. The truths shared in these pages may just change the way you think about your own life's narrative. So, read on, and open yourself to a world filled with both heartbreak and grace.
📖 Above the Treetops - The True Story of William Faulkner and Bobby Little, the Son He Never Had
✍ by Jack Sacco
🧾 271 pages
2012
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