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: Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Eating disorder, Death, Medical trauma, Suicide, Mental illness, Vomit, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Self harm, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Blood
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: Medical content, Racial slurs, Racism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical trauma, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Violence, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Ableism, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
saa'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: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Vomit
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
Spoiler
I knew nothing of this book going into it. As someone who has been both depressed and suicidal most of their life, as well as someone who knows everything's relative, I still found this book to be completely trash and almost insulting (bigotry aside)....
Upon further reflection, this is one of the worst books I've ever read.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
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: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Mental illness
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Lesbophobia, and Racial slurs
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: Racism, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Sexual content, Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Alcohol, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Confinement, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
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
4.25
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Medical trauma
Minor: Racism
chloebrcsn'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: Death, Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
lovelessens'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
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide, Racism, Suicide attempt, Hate crime, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
karol99'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
4.75
I specifically had a moment of reflection where I had to jot down my thoughts on mirrors and it's role in the story (Plath, p. 168):
[Esther asked to see a mirror, and the nurse ignored her]
'Why can't I?'
'Because you better not.' The nurse shut the lid of the overnight case with a little snap.
'Why?'
'Because you don't look very pretty.'
I also had a discussion with my mum about it. All the different factors and layers that were held in such a short line: 'Because you don't look very pretty.'
I will leave at 4.75, and see how the book will further impact me - and if it does, now that I have finished it.
Graphic: Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death
Moderate: Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Racism, Physical abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Grief, Fatphobia, Eating disorder, Classism, Bullying, and Body shaming