Product Description

In the summer of 1985 William Styron was overtaken by persistent insomnia and a troubling sense of malaise - the first signs of a deep depression that would engulf his life and leave him on the brink of suicide. Darkness Visible takes us on an unprecedented journey into the realm of madness. It is an intimate portrait of the agony of Styron's ordeal, as well as a probing look at an illness that affects millions but is still widely misunderstood. Through his remarkable candour and powers of description comes a true understanding of the anguish of a desperate mind. Darkness Visible is a bold and an ultimately uplifting exploration of depression's dark reality.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24098 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 108 pages

Victoria Glendinning, New York Times
Tremendous writing... Honest and illuminating’

Good Book Guide
The writing is energetic and vivid

About the Author
Born at Newport News, Virginia, in 1925, William Styron was educated at Duke University. He served in the Marine Corps during the last war, and was recalled to service during the Korean War. After 1952, he lived mainly in Europe, before settling in a rural part of Connecticut.

Customer Reviews

The best depiction of depression I have read
This is the best depiction of depression I have read. It makes me realise I've never been really depressed myself - although I know people who have, and this book depicts it as it must be. Moving and frightening.

It's a remarkable book.....
It was at school actually when I first read it and we never finished it within our class - I made a point of finishing it, why ?? This is why....

What I think is great is the sheer honesty which he tells us of his slide into the depths of depression, there is no hiding from the fact he went through utter hell. It's a short book - but, if you like a good ending then this is the one of you. Never, ( and I think it would take a lot to surpass it ) have I read a more perfect closing paragraph - it's immaculate. He sunms it up to perfection and if it does anything, it makes you realise.

Thanks.

Compassionate portrayal of melancholia
Fascinating book that explores and helps readers to understand the real depths of an illness which few can fully comprehend. As a memoir of the author's own experiences it offers a valid portrayal of melancholia, informing readers in his wonderful narrative style. With such a dark subject matter this book won't leave you full of smiles but it does leave you with a more compassionate view of melancholia and a satisfying read.