37 pages • 1 hour read
Darkness Visible
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Book Brief
86
Book • Nonfiction
1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Darkness Visible by William Styron, the author recounts his battle with severe depression, detailing his near-suicide and subsequent decision to seek treatment; after a seven-week stay in a psychiatric hospital, he regained his will to live and later advocated for the understanding of depression as a debilitating illness rather than a moral failing. The book contains discussions of suicidal ideation and the struggles faced by individuals experiencing severe depression.
Melancholic
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
32,887 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Styron's Darkness Visible is lauded for its brave, lucid depiction of depression, resonating deeply with readers and mental health professionals alike. However, some critique its intense, unrelenting focus, which can feel overwhelming. Despite this, it remains an essential, enlightening read for understanding mental illness.
Who Should Read Darkness Visible?
Readers who appreciate deep personal narratives on mental health, such as those found in Andrew Solomon’s The Noonday Demon or Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind, would find Darkness Visible compelling. Styron’s profound exploration of his struggles with depression offers invaluable insights for those drawn to candid, introspective memoirs.
32,887 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
86
Book • Nonfiction
1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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