Lie Down in Darkness
Lie Down in Darkness
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Brief
Beta400
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lie Down in Darkness by William Styron tells the story of the Loftis family in post-World War II Virginia. The novel explores themes of mental illness, familial discord, and societal pressures. Through a non-linear narrative, it delves into the lives and struggles of each family member, highlighting their inner turmoil and complex relationships.
Melancholic
Dark
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,153 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Styron's Lie Down in Darkness is lauded for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of human despair, focusing on a Southern family's tragic complexities. Critics praise Styron's character development and emotional intensity. However, some find the novel's bleakness overwhelming. Overall, it remains a potent study of familial and existential strife.
Who Should Read Lie Down in Darkness?
A reader who enjoys Lie Down in Darkness by William Styron likely appreciates complex family dynamics and Southern Gothic themes, similar to those in Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury or McCullers’ The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. They value introspective prose and explorations of existential despair.
4,153 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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