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A review by proudtobeabookaholic
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
Esther Greenwood is 19 when she wins a writing competition in 1953, and she gets to work at a fashion magazine in New York for a month. She sees it as her chance to fulfill her dream of being a writer. But Esther's life is soon spiralling out of control.
The Bell Jar was Sylvia Plath's only novel, and it was first published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. One month after the publication Plath ended her life. The book is semi-autobiographical, as it is partially based on her own life. Despite dealing with depression and suicide attempts I don't find the novel altogether dark. It's quite interesting, and brilliantly narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal. I started and finished the book on the same day!
The Bell Jar was Sylvia Plath's only novel, and it was first published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. One month after the publication Plath ended her life. The book is semi-autobiographical, as it is partially based on her own life. Despite dealing with depression and suicide attempts I don't find the novel altogether dark. It's quite interesting, and brilliantly narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal. I started and finished the book on the same day!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt