William Styron: A Life

Rating:
Summary: Excellent; informative and insightful
Review: After a slightly tedious beginning (who cares if Styron had the sniffles and recurring earaches as a kid?), West's biography delves into the heart of Styron's life and work. I was stunned to learn of the many and varied connections between the two: much of what appears in Styron's books is based upon actual experiences he had and people he knew. West clearly has a deep respect for his subject, and the portrait we receive of Styron is one of a dedicated, sometimes angst-ridden literary genius, slowly and methodically creating his masterpieces. West occasionaly sidetracks into Styron's interesting relationships with other authors, including his controversial feud with Norman Mailer. The main quibble is that the final quarter of the book seems awfully hurried. One might expect "Sophie's Choice", Styron's most recent and well-known novel, to receive the most treatment, but West seems to give it the least. Those hoping for a more in-depth look at Styron's battle with depression than is found in his memoir "Darkness Visible" will probably be disappointed, as West adds little new to the saga, and in fact often seems to quote it directly (which seems rather lazy). Still, a mostly fascinating read, and one that any fan of Styron will find engrossing.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful insight into Styron and his literary efforts.
Review: For anyone who is amazed by William Styron and all that he creates, this book provides the glimpses behind the start of each creation. We do not need to know every bit of Styron's emotional life to know what it is that compels him to write in the genius that he does. We understand him because we can see what motivates all of his great works. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who is a writer, reader or lover of his works.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant biography of a brilliant writer
Review: I've read all of Styron's fiction and all his published nonfiction, and was happy to find out that this biography explores in detail the mind of the writer who has created such beautiful, enduring prose. Author West has had unusual access to working papers, unpublished works, and early drafts of Styron's well-known books, and is able to illustrate how the changes Styron made during the editing process reveals his character. You couldn't ask for a more deeply felt biography. In contrast to the main review on this page, I also felt that this was one of the only biographies I've read in which the connection between the subject's childhood and writing was made clear. If the only book of Styron's you've read is the excellent Sophie's Choice, this biography may give you more information than you want. If you have more of an interest in Styron's other writing, this book is a fascinating adjunct. By the biography's end, you feel you know Styron and you hope he completes the "Marine novel" he's been working on for so long.