Sylvia Plath’s shocking, realistic, and intensely emotional novel about a woman falling into the grip of insanity
Esther Greenwood is brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. In her acclaimed and enduring masterwork, Sylvia Plath brilliantly draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that her insanity becomes … becomes palpably real, even rational—as accessible an experience as going to the movies. A deep penetration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche, The Bell Jar is an extraordinary accomplishment and a haunting American classic.
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The story of Esther Greenwood a young lady who spends time trying to fit in with what societal norms expect. In doing so Esther finds herself falling into depression which begins to spiral out of control.
This was extremely hard to read because it was so depressing. I felt it read as a narrative and that it certainly captured the essence of that era. I did feel at times some of the writing was a bit manic and knowing Sylvia Plath’s history made it even more heartbreaking to read.
This is by far by favorite book of all time. Although Sylvia Plath was mostly well known as a poet, her fiction story writing is truly something beautiful and unforgettable. She was definitely bold and ahead of her time. If she were to have continued living I believe she would have written many more books and would have become not only one of the world’s best poets but also one of the best female authors ever. Although the bell jar is a work of fiction I believe it was actually about Sylvia Plaths very own life with many similar yet different scenarios. Such an amazing woman gone from this world much to soon. I highly recommend this underrated classic. And although her life was quite tragic it was also quite fascinating in a dark, unforgettable and artistic way.
The Bell Jar written 70 years ago, focuses on themes and topics that are as relevant today; the role of women in society, in the workplace, sex, sexual abuse and the crippling effects of mental illness; not much has changed.
The book tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a college student who travels to New York to work on a magazine. As her story unfolds, the protagonist’s mental health spirals; her attempted suicide, therapy and eventual recovery are laid bare throughout the story. The Bell Jar is partly autobiographical; it was published in 1963 after Plath had committed suicide in her early thirties.
It was a dark, disturbing read. It took me a few days and a couple of runs to eventually shake off. As a reader, I spent a short period in the mind of someone who is suffering from mental illness, and it was stark, distressing and uncomfortable.
I reflected on what has changed in the last 70 years, the role of woman? Yes, I think so, witness the impact of the #metoo campaign. Awareness and treatment of mental illness? I think we are getting there.
Every person should read this book to catch a glimpse into a beautiful and troubled mind.
Hard to wade through this.
A classic. It is a must read, i feel it is especially good for book club!
Brilliant
This is a classic for a reason.
Brilliant, heartbreaking, this account of a woman’s psyche is intense and personal.
Haunting!
I thought this book was interesting but disjointed and I just didn’t enjoy that part of it. It just ends abruptly to me also
I first read this book as a high school student. I certainly did not appreciate the nuances and ephemeral quality of this work. After subsequent readings however, I recognize my own intuitive interpretation, as a young female, of the power and importance of this work.
One of the most important works written in the 20th century, documenting a descent into the mental illness that remains as relevant as ever to the experience and the plight. Sylvia Plath reigns arguably as one of the bravest voices in literary history, hyperbole be damned. The book is a revelation and exploration of the entrapments of identity and of mind. A mortal linguistic blow to the head that every serious-minded individual should (suffer) experience. BRAVA
Amazing book, so very small, so powerful
It’s interesting and shows the world of the author.
During my depression almost suicide years — maybe I shouldn’t have read, glad I did
Required reading for young women. A feminist classic.
As a teacher I have taught this book. Sylvia Plath committed suicide after a history of mental illness. This book is about the spiraling decline of a woman into insanity. It is a classic and not to be missed.
I read this years ago, but it’s stuck with me over time.
Really just one word. Depressing.