The cover I saw was not the one of the edition I read. The copy I had was an old paperback that was published after WS's previous work.

I decided to pick up this book mainly because of the author, but unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed. Once the story reaches the Villa/movie set, it becomes a complete mess.

There are, however, some interesting side stories, such as the description of rural poverty in post-war Italy, which provide a bit of depth and context. But overall, the rest of the book is really bad.

I just can't understand why this book has such high ratings. It makes me wonder if the people who gave it high ratings read the same book as I did. Maybe they saw something in it that I completely missed. But for me, it was a waste of time and I would not recommend it to others.

**Patience**

I must confess. Reading this book is an experience that closely resembles what I envision drowning to be like. At first, the gentle tugs from the encompassing sea commence with the glittering prose that mirrors the warmth of the author's imagination, luring you in even as your toes tentatively test the water. As the characters take shape and gain substance, compelling you to plunge in, a scarcely noticeable undertow begins to form. As the insidious current sweeps you along, you have the sensation of going nowhere. It is precisely at this moment that you realize, much as you might desire to, you are powerless to escape its pull. Slowly and inevitably, you draw near to the vortex that you have imagined since the opening pages. Nor should the reader assume that the final pull will arrive with the awareness of its inevitability. On the contrary!

Patience


When Kinsolving remarks that he was dragged to Sambuco, you have an immediate understanding of what he means! When you read that “the sharp horror of being seemed so enormous as to make the horror of nothingness less than nothing by its side,” you truly comprehend.

Then, after all that tedium and agonizing, you come across this statement, and you apprehend what your patience has bestowed upon you.
“I think true justice must always somehow live in the heart, locked away from politics and governments and even the law.” And, if you have managed to keep your head above water throughout this arduous journey, everything suddenly makes perfect sense!

The second Styron book I read was truly captivating.

From the very first page, I was drawn into his vividly created world. His writing style is so engaging that it makes it impossible to put the book down.

The characters he portrays are complex and full of depth, making them feel real and relatable.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what will happen next.

Styron's ability to paint a picture with words is truly remarkable.

It is no wonder that this book has kept me coming back for more of his works.

Each time I pick up a Styron book, I know I am in for a literary treat.

His books have a way of staying with you long after you have finished reading them, making you think and reflect on the themes and ideas he presents.

I can't wait to see what other masterpieces he has in store for us.

Three and a half stars.

This rating indicates a relatively good performance or quality. It suggests that the subject being evaluated has many positive aspects but may also have a few areas that could be improved.

A three and a half star rating is often considered above average, but not quite excellent. It implies that the item or service has met most of the expectations and has some notable features or qualities.

However, it also means that there is still room for growth and development. Maybe there are some minor flaws or不足之处 that prevent it from achieving a higher rating.

Overall, a three and a half star rating is a respectable one, indicating that the subject has a certain level of merit and is worthy of consideration.

This is a truly serious novel that vividly tells the tale of a group of people who unfortunately become deeply entangled in the web of murder and tragedy.

Styron, without a doubt, is a highly accomplished and great American novelist.

Due to the extremely serious nature of the story, I initially found the reading process to be rather slow going. However, I firmly stuck with it, determined to uncover the mysteries and emotions hidden within the pages.

If you are someone who desires a challenging and engaging read that really makes you think and sink your teeth into, then I highly recommend giving this novel a try.

You may find that it offers a profound and thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

This was truly one of the most exasperating reads I have ever subjected myself to.

I was on the verge of giving up after just the initial few chapters. However, there was a glimmer of a plot hidden beneath all that superfluous language, which managed to hold my interest.

The only way I could persevere and complete this book was by skimming through all the drunken rants and pretentious speeches, as well as the interminable and needless descriptions. Instead, I focused on those sporadic sentences or two that actually moved the story forward.

I recall reading Sophie's Choice by Styron several years ago, and I don't remember it being anywhere near as arduous to get through as this particular work.

It's a pity that the author didn't do a better job of presenting the story in a more accessible and engaging manner.

Perhaps with some tighter editing and a more streamlined narrative, this could have been a much more enjoyable read.

The luxurious atmosphere, the shining air that struck me right between the eyes and made me move forward prudently-blindly into Mr. Styron's house! How simple it seems to understand now that only the love between us saves us, that we don't live for others but among others! How easy it is to realize that in me/in each lies a mixture of love and hate and that I must penetrate into myself day by day, moment by moment, like a scared electrician and repair this circuit, hold on to it as the last escape. "Man must behave beautifully with his demons," says Mason, the young representative of America and the heroic foam of the comradeship triangle, although he seems to do exactly the opposite. He shouts, rebels, loves, cheats, violates, is generous and good, is an unlucky scoundrel with the qualities of a superman when the circumstances are favorable. Mason = "Set this house on fire" = free yourselves from this existence equal to a comfortable detention, get out of the forced solitude and live simply, in charm and delicacy.

Only 4 stars for the intensity in the soft head and for the heartbeats so fast that I sometimes felt it was too much.

This is a work that is beautifully written.

The characters within it are truly memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. However, it did have a tendency to meander at times, perhaps losing its focus for a while.

But despite this small flaw, it is still very much worth the read. The beautiful prose and engaging characters draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

It offers a unique and interesting perspective, and is a great addition to any literature lover's collection.

Overall, it is a work that may have its imperfections, but its strengths far outweigh them, making it a must-read for those who appreciate good writing and unforgettable characters.

Always a fan of Styron’s work, I have a deep appreciation for how identity lies at the core of all his creations.

Even when he delves into the exploration of other themes, the concept of identity remains integral. What truly fascinates me is the remarkable nuance with which he portrays the feelings and decisions of his characters.

This novel, in particular, bears a striking resemblance to Crime & Punishment in its profound exploration of evil and guilt. The way Styron tests and examines these two aspects is truly masterful.

Throughout the story, it never feels as if these examinations are out of place or forced. Instead, they flow seamlessly, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

It is this ability to handle such complex themes with such finesse that makes Styron’s work so captivating and enduring.

I look forward to continuing to explore his body of work and uncovering the many layers of meaning that lie within.

William Styron is an excellent writer who never disappoints with his beautifully drawn vignettes and fabulous descriptions. His works, although sometimes a bit long and involved, have a writing style that easily carries the reader through. In his novels, he makes so many references to the issues of today, even though they are set in the post-WWII time. One of the prominent themes is the rule of mammon and the takeover of the political structure by appealing to the lowest denominator. I have never read "Lie Down in Darkness," but after experiencing the profoundness of "Confessions of Nat Turner" and "Sophie's Choice," I may have to do so. Styron's works offer a deep exploration of human nature and society, making them not only engaging reads but also thought-provoking.

More like 3.5.

This book absolutely exhausted me. It was a real struggle to get through. The story seemed to drag on at times, and I found myself losing interest. The characters were not as engaging as I had hoped, and I had a hard time connecting with them.

However, there were also some redeeming qualities. The writing style was quite good, and there were a few scenes that really stood out. The author did a great job of setting the mood and creating a sense of atmosphere.

Overall, I would say that this book was an average read. It had its moments, but it also had its flaws. I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others, but if you're looking for something to pass the time, it might be worth giving a try.

Maybe with a bit more editing and a stronger plot, this book could have been a real winner. As it is, it's just okay.

I was truly in a dilemma after reading this one. I have a deep affection for Styron's writing style, and this was the third Styron novel that I have delved into.

The Good: The writing was as excellent as I had anticipated, with magnificent passages seemingly everywhere. It was a pleasure to encounter such beautiful prose.

The not-so-good: Surprisingly, this novel was only 527 pages long. However, by the time I reached the end, it felt as if I had read a whopping 15,527 pages. I firmly believe that it could have been trimmed by 100 - 150 pages. There were simply too many monologues. Whether they were the drunken, sentimental ones or the sober ones, they droned on for pages. Moreover, there were an excessive number of flashbacks, repeating over and over again. Many times, I seriously considered setting this Kindle on fire. But finally, after a grueling 2 months (!!!), I managed to finish it, feeling as if I had been battered with a Chianti bottle. If you are a Styron enthusiast, then by all means read it. However, if not, perhaps it would be advisable to try another one of his books.