tobeee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
adido's review against another edition
3.0
twas was an interesting read. looking forward to discuss it with fellow readers
mvictoriabooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lucyarmstrong's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- 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
5.0
Oh my god this is the most depressing thing I’ve ever read. 5 stars.
I need to preface this with the fact that I know there are a bunch of controversies around The Bell Jar and it’s derogatory language towards certain ethnic groups etc and obviously that is not okay, however with that being said this book was written in the 1950/60s and my rating is purely based on my enjoyment and interest in the book!
I don’t have much else to say other than this book made me feel devastated, hopeless, empty and very very sad. The depiction of 1950s society, specifically the way in which women were treated, was chillingly similar to todays world and that fact alone made me feel just horrendous. Nothing has changed. The famous fig tree metaphor was very relatable to me and I did see much of myself in Esther’s character. (Again, this made me miserable). The whole concept of the bell jar doming over her life also made me miserable. I think I felt so inherently TERRIBLE while reading this because I related to so much of it: trying to find yourself whilst being pressured by those around you do do certain things or act a certain way; the general shittiness of men; complicated relationships with friends and family and just feeling intrinsically wrong.
I still feel violently ill and it’s been over 24 hours since I finished this book. I have never felt so affected by a piece of literature. Send help.
I need to preface this with the fact that I know there are a bunch of controversies around The Bell Jar and it’s derogatory language towards certain ethnic groups etc and obviously that is not okay, however with that being said this book was written in the 1950/60s and my rating is purely based on my enjoyment and interest in the book!
I don’t have much else to say other than this book made me feel devastated, hopeless, empty and very very sad. The depiction of 1950s society, specifically the way in which women were treated, was chillingly similar to todays world and that fact alone made me feel just horrendous. Nothing has changed. The famous fig tree metaphor was very relatable to me and I did see much of myself in Esther’s character. (Again, this made me miserable). The whole concept of the bell jar doming over her life also made me miserable. I think I felt so inherently TERRIBLE while reading this because I related to so much of it: trying to find yourself whilst being pressured by those around you do do certain things or act a certain way; the general shittiness of men; complicated relationships with friends and family and just feeling intrinsically wrong.
I still feel violently ill and it’s been over 24 hours since I finished this book. I have never felt so affected by a piece of literature. Send help.
martinav29's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emelayaa's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
pflanzenfutzi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookidlwn's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
alyssapusateri's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- 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
stephanieroc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25