Reviews

The Colossus by Sylvia Plath

haysways's review against another edition

5.0

Had to take a couple to process how much I loved this collection of poems. There is such an artistry and fearlessness in Sylvia Plath's words. Her metaphors are complex and meandering and sometimes make no sense in a way that speaks to something inside and makes perfect sense all at once. I think it is especially interesting to read this following The Bell Jar, to shift from her prose (which also has a very fluid,jarring, and realistic flow) to her poetry and really connect with the pain of her tragically short life.

osamatheauthor's review against another edition

3.0

3.5/5

What can be said when poetry has to leave its marks behind? What can be done when poetry has to leave surprises behind?

I guess, for me, the writing style of Sylvia Plath is unorthodox, which makes her unique every time I get to read her. Still, I am yet to find myself in a position to be able to comprehend well the whole aura she creates, and I shall not lose hope with it. (Fingers Crossed)

zelinacarstens's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.25

tallulahjt's review against another edition

4.0

This sounds a bit silly but I don’t feel worthy of Sylvia Plath’s poetry. It is so evocative and deeply personal I feel as if I am reading her personal diary. My favorite poems were The Sow, The Colossus, and the one about the 4th century Roman burial.

visnisme's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

sugarhoneypie's review against another edition

Had do give back to library 😔

wheelylauren's review against another edition

4.0

A rereadable poetry masterpiece that I will continue to analyse over and over.

melineegout's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

savento95's review against another edition

5.0

Really great first collection--a lot of ambition and power. Plath dances with the darker side of beauty by looking at abandonment, time, growth, landscape. Plath writes almost gothic poetry here, coming at the image from a midnight angle. She seems to be trying to establish her own voice and point of view. Definitely leaves you wanting more.

inesmeow's review against another edition

4.0

honestly, she mentioned a fig tree so i was ruined for the rest of the night.... but i love her. reading sylvia plath feels like watching matty healy eat raw meat on stage. but if the stage were a clearing in the woods.