In "Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness," William Styron reflects on his experiences with depression, highlighting a fleeting moment when he could concentrate and read extensively. During this brief reprieve from his depressive state, he engaged with various profound and concerning facts presented in the books he explored, which enriched his understanding of the human condition.

Styron's narrative emphasizes how literature can serve as a temporary escape and source of knowledge during times of mental distress. His reading not only provided comfort but also allowed him to delve deeper into the complexities of despair, thereby illustrating the intricate relationship between creativity and mental illness in his life.