The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Bell Jar
Book Review: Brilliant and Compelling
Summary: 5 Stars
The Bell Jar is the loosely autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath. It's one of my favorite books. I could read it repeatedly, and that's not something I normally do with most novels. Unquestionably, Sylvia Plath was one of the greatest literary talents of the 20th century. Just from reading this novel, you can tell she is a poet at heart. The book is simpler and more straightforward than her poetry (which is to be expected), but she draws you in as the reader with her various uses of simile and her striking imagery. The prose has an intensity, as well has a conversational tone, that makes it feels as if Esther Greenwood is speaking directly to you, making it hard to put down.
Despite its reputation in some circles as a "feminist" novel, young men and women should be able to read this book and find something to relate to. Not only does Esther struggle with society's sexist double standards, she is also striving to find her place in the world, establish a career, carve out an identity for herself. This is a must read for anyone in their young adulthood because who doesn't deal with those existential dilemmas during that time? This book is also well known for focusing on depression. Plath makes you understand the illness completely through Esther's eyes, to the point that that it's difficult to determine what is actually wrong with her. The subject matter may keep some people away but Plath's hilariously sardonic sense of humor provides great comic relief throughout the entire novel (even throughout the heavier second half). Plath's reputation often precedes her work so I would recommend not going into the novel with any preconceived notions and simply treasuring its brilliance.
Book Review: Brutally Real
Summary: 5 Stars
It is good to read about people who are talented, intelligent, perfectionists who suffer from a mental disorder- why - because I think it takes the discrimination out of mental illness that we all have. We are all mentally ill to some degree so I don't know why we abhor it. Maybe with people like Sylvia Plath, we can learn to be more compassionate to one another or ourselves, realizing how easily one can fall into depression or any other type of ailment that attacks our mind.Book Review: Classic? Perhaps a classic choice for firewood in an apocalypse...
Summary: 1 Stars
I found the whole thing to be painfully contrived. Her word use, while precise, is TOO precise, in the sense that I get the distinct feeling she agonized over each one to make the character sound as depressed as possible. What's odd about it is that there doesn't seem to be any real reason for any of it, nor is any particular behavior described that might give me a hint at what goes on in anyone else's mind while interacting with her [Esther Greenwood]. All sincerity seems to have been leeched out of the book which is then peppered with ridiculous assertions that make self-proclaimed feminists sigh with pleasure. Since this is evidently semi-autobiographical I can't imagine what to make of that.
Nearly every transition is abrupt and awkward and most of the characters have been flattened out and made into caricatures of feminist archetypes in the most tortured, juvenile manner imaginable. Needless to say that the plot, such as it is, is not helped in the least by any of the "people" that inhabit it. I could say so much more, but rest assured that it is all scathing.
Luckily, it's the only novel she ever wrote, thus sparing me from the agony of someone convincing me to give her another chance. I spent $17 on this book. I consider this another stroke of luck as it is the only feminist work I imagine I'll ever buy, and consider my education complete and cheap at the price!
Book Review: Dark passage
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this strange but powerful little book many years ago--after going through a very rough time in my late adolescence. I don't know what it is about this book, but something opened up for me that I am not sure I can describe. It seems the author here, though really not of my generation, is hitting upon something universal--like a shedding of old skin that, somehow, life requires if we are to become full adults.
Recently, I re-read this again. And the emotions are so real, so eerie, and altogether somehow true. Many a time, I prefer more balance and humor in the books I read, but this one is special. It has an honesty about how life can be when going through the tunnels that lead to adulthood.
Recommend to all readers, and the younger generation of today, especially.
Book Review: Don't read if you're already down, but great insight.
Summary: 5 Stars
Sylvia really writes from a "someone who gets it" perspective. I appreciate her raw demeanor and honesty. I found myself relating to her immediately as she drew my mind further and further onto the pages of this novel.
***Caution: Unfortunately, I was already at a low point in my emotional cycles (BPD and BD), so when she was contemplating suicide, so was I. By continuing reading I pushed myself all the way over the edge and woke up alive the next day in the ICU at a hospital. So, DO NOT READ if you are at all at a low point!!!