Yes, but books become well-known because they describe the general undercurrent of a cultural mood in a certain era, what Carl Jung called the 'collective unconscious'. Many people identify with the writing of an author because it helps them put words to their thoughts and feelings.
Golding didn't become an alcoholic or become depressed in a vacuum, he was embedded in a social context. I don't believe humans are islands.
Just listened to a segment about him on NPR, apparently his writing themes were greatly influenced by an experience he had as a child where he was standing next to someone who was killed by a lightning strike.
I guess people (particularly Tom Shippey, IIRC) do argue that's a lot of what made his work what it is. I tend to forget about that part of his history.
Certainly it would have been a traumatic experience.
Definitely a relevant point. Thanks for mentioning it.
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