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darathtey's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
kimmyp's review against another edition
4.5
I thought this was really good. I believe the story is set in the 1950’s, and it is of that time, but it also felt very modern and current. The way she described her mental state and her descent into a mental breakdown was really gripping. And also just her reflections on being a woman in society felt really universal. This is a classic that I’m really glad I got around to.
dylchka's review against another edition
soooooo turns out i’m NOT mentally stable enough for this book rn
mbrossay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rayne_1906's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
2 hours 12 minutes - I can't believe I have the audacity to rate The Bell Jar below 4 stars, but it appears I am doing so regardless. I completely appreciate the skill and craft Plath wrote into this novel, but I didn't always enjoy the reading experience: it was a little tedious at times to get through (though I understand that this writing style is entirely the point). Despite this, I found Esther's depression really well represented through Plath's writing.
lastbraincell's review against another edition
4.0
I always put off reading this because it seemed to be what wannabe cool kids / tortured artist fuckwads read in college. I thought it would be boring and self-absorbed like Prozac Nation. I'm glad it isn't. Beautiful language, and I didn't even feel cheated at the lack of a resolution, because this was realistic enough and to have a happy ending would feel, to use a word Esther's professor used, factitious. I was just happy that someone understood what it is like (I loved the part where she goes about looking for a place to hang her noose in a matter-of-fact way) and was able to write about this muddled state with clarity.
switt713's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
leooo_333's review against another edition
4.0
I like the way Esther is insufferable and annoying throughout this book. The way she hates the people around her, struggles to fit in, hates parties but will always go etc just makes her seem more real.
The first part of the book, in which she’s in New York and trying to work out what she’s doing with her life is weirdly relatable - introducing herself as ‘Elly Higginbottom’ and making up a new life story kept making me laugh.
The second part, where her illness reaches a peak, she is hospitalised, her fear of being electrocuted after hating the first time is gut wrenching. It’s very well written in my opinion, evident by my feeling sick at times.
I think there are issues with the book yes, but on the whole I did surprisingly end up enjoying it which I didn’t think I would have.
The first part of the book, in which she’s in New York and trying to work out what she’s doing with her life is weirdly relatable - introducing herself as ‘Elly Higginbottom’ and making up a new life story kept making me laugh.
The second part, where her illness reaches a peak, she is hospitalised, her fear of being electrocuted after hating the first time is gut wrenching. It’s very well written in my opinion, evident by my feeling sick at times.
I think there are issues with the book yes, but on the whole I did surprisingly end up enjoying it which I didn’t think I would have.