Rose Styron, a remarkable woman with a fortunate life, reflects on her experiences as a poet, founding member of Amnesty International, mother of four, and wife to the renowned author William Styron. At 95 years old, Rose Styron has decided to delve into her past, both through her memoir “Beyond This Harbor: Adventurous Tales of the Heart” and as the subject of a captivating documentary titled “In the Company of Rose” by James Lapine.
Known as a legend on Martha’s Vineyard, Rose Styron is admired for her genuine passion for social interaction and learning. In the documentary, she shares her thoughts on being considered a role model and expresses her delight in still having a good time at her age. Rose Burgunder, as she was formerly known, grew up in a privileged family in Baltimore, where she had the opportunity to meet notable individuals, including the acclaimed artist Diego Rivera at the age of 11.
During her twenties in Rome, Rose had a serendipitous encounter with the writer William Styron, which marked the beginning of their romance. It was the young Truman Capote who encouraged William to marry Rose. However, Rose admits that at the time, she did not anticipate their union to endure, as she was solely focused on enjoying their enchanting romance. After settling in Roxbury, Connecticut as newlyweds, Rose and William Styron’s home became a hub for renowned authors such as James Baldwin, Philip Roth, and Arthur Miller.
As a supportive spouse, Rose provided valuable feedback to William during the writing process of “Sophie’s Choice.” She advocated for delaying the chapter that depicted Sophie’s heartbreaking decision at Auschwitz, knowing that it might discourage readers. Rose’s influence on her husband’s work was limited to this specific suggestion, as she recognized that their differing personalities played a significant role in their relationship. While William Styron was cautious and fearful of adventure, Rose yearned for new experiences and resented being denied them, although she ultimately prioritized her marriage.
The Styrons’ marriage was characterized by contrasts and challenges, including infidelities on both sides. Despite these trials, they were committed to preserving their marriage and avoiding irreparable damage. Rose also discusses William’s battle with depression, which he wrote about in his groundbreaking work “Darkness Visible.” While Rose admits to struggling with truly understanding his depression, she expresses regret for failing to allow him the opportunity to apologize for his wrongdoings during his final year.
Throughout the documentary, Rose Styron’s remarkable outlook and refusal to dwell on the past become evident. She finds solace in her evolving friendships, even in her late 80s and 90s, believing that friendship and family are the most vital aspects of her life. Rose’s thirst for life continues to drive her, as she cherishes every moment and eagerly embraces new connections.
In conclusion, Rose Styron’s memoir and the documentary “In the Company of Rose” paint a vibrant and inspiring portrait of a woman who has lived a full and remarkable life. Her story serves as a reminder to cherish the present, continuously learn, and cultivate meaningful connections.
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