Conversation so far:
Where was William Styron born?
William Styron was born in the Hilton Village historic district of Newport News, Virginia
Where did William Styron grow up?
William Styron grew up in the South and was steeped in its history.
Did William Styron's family own slaves?
William Styron's mother had owned two slaves as a child
Did William Styron have a good childhood?
William Styron's childhood was a difficult one

Question: Why was his childhood difficult?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was William Styron's childhood difficult?