Why was tough for you? The violence or the writing style ?

Try As I Lay Dying.

Ah you just aren’t a fan of McCarthy writing style and that’s ok it’s not for everyone. Best way I can describe it is Cormac McCarthy novels don’t have any bloat, what you see on the page is exactly what he wants you to see and read. It can blend from him describing something to someone talking and if you aren’t used to it than you’ll hate it. You also did kinda jump into the deep end of the pool with The Road. It’s renowned but it’s also a difficult read especially if you haven’t read any of his other works. Try Blood Meridian (it’s extremely violent so be careful) or No Country For Old Men (Book is better than the movie) or even his early works like All The Pretty Horses. As for the Faulkner comparisons it’s more the similarities of southern poetry and southern gothic styles. Similar but also very different.

If you like Faulkner you’ll like McCarthy.