The Great God of Depression #4 – The White Whale
William Styron faces up to his greatest literary failure, while he and his doctor team up to conquer a baffling paralysis that could be medical or could be metaphor.
Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz
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Show Notes
William Styron could never finish the war novel that was meant to be his masterpiece. Did that failure lead to his final depression? Or did depression stop him from writing? He and his doctor Alice Flaherty pore over the question together, trying to ward off his suicidal fears and a baffling paralysis, until his wife makes an unconventional and risky suggestion.
The Great God of Depression is a production of Showcase from PRX’s Radiotopia. It’s produced by Karen Brown and Pagan Kennedy, with support from New England Public Radio. Music and sound design by Ian Coss. Julie Shapiro is the executive producer.
Find links, photos and more information about this episode at radiotopia.fm/showcase.
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