Scan barcode
_meganrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautifully written and to know this was heavily inspired by her life is absolutely chilling - probably why she was able to paint such painful things so accurately.
Could have done without the blatant racism in this and the fatphobia. In many ways, this book was ahead of its time. But in those ways? It absolutely was not.
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
samcsmith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
donotswearbythemoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
sergiogt's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
The beginning was really confusing for me, not sure where the story was headed to be honest. I appreciate adjectives to better picture what the characters are seeing/living but the comparisons and descriptions felt a tad too overcomplicated in style.
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
franniiia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Overall just not really for me, I guess.
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Ableism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
cristina_g_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The book's ability to express ideas is truly extraordinary. Every word pulls you in, urging you to continue reading, captivated by the narrative's magnetic allure.
Esther, the main character, possesses a thought process that is simply delectable. Her musings consistently brought a smile to my face, allowing me to savor each idea with a sense of amusement.
I found great pleasure in the book's exploration of the theme of purity, as well as its skillful and flavorful descriptions of every new character, infused with subtle irony and captivating details.
The intricate and complex relationship between Esther and Buddy offers a captivating journey. Their transformation from adoration to disdain, combined with Esther's internal struggles, effectively showcases her as a character who appears externally conflict-free but battles profound turmoil within.
As the narrative progresses, readers are enveloped in Esther's mental state, experiencing the profound depths of her depression and her desperate encounters with thoughts of suicide.
Towards the end of the book, Esther's reclamation of power becomes an empowering moment. It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking a range of sentiments throughout the course of the story.
"The Bell Jar" masterfully weaves together complex character development and themes of empowerment. It provides a poignant exploration of mental health struggles, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. This novel leaves a lasting impression, resonating with readers long after they turn the final page.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
___'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
...
Upon further reflection, this is one of the worst books I've ever read.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
faythfarrar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Forced institutionalization, and Lesbophobia
jneverland's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
nicoleeluz's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Racism